XN000022-1996-10-09 — Page 42

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Implications of proposed MTR extension being examined

Following is a question by the Hon Samuel Wong Ping-wai and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Gordon Siu, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In view of the rapid and large increase in population in Tseung Kwan O, there is an urgent need to extend the Mass Transit Railway line to that area. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether -

Reply:

(a)

(b)

Mr President,

the Mass Transit Railway Corporation has made any plan to start constructing the Tseung Kwan O Extension soon; and

the above project will be discussed by the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group?

We have received a submission from the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) proposing to complete the construction of the Tseung Kwan O Extension (TKE) by December 2001, subject to the availability of land. We are examining the financial, legal, engineering and land implications of the proposal and aim to arrive at a view on the Corporation's proposals by early 1997. The MTRC is at present examining with government departments concerned possible interface problems with other infrastructural facilities along the proposed alignment so as to further refine their proposed scheme.

When we have completed our assessment of the MTRC's proposal, we will consult the Chinese side of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group (JLG) before any decision is made that would commit the Special Administrative Region Government. In the meantime we have offered to brief the Chinese side of the JLG about this project.

End