XN000022-1996-11-22 — Page 12

10.

$408-million contract for Tung Chung development awarded

The $408-million main contract for Tung Chung Development Phase IIB will ... provide land for developing residential and community facilities as well as roads and drainage system to serve a population of 35,000.

The Project Manager (Hong Kong Island and Islands) of the Territory Development Department, Mr Pang Ho-che, said this after signing the contract with a representative of Sun Fook Kong (Civil) Limited at the Tung Chung work site today (Friday).

"Advanced work for the site formation of village resite area started in late 1994 and is substantially complete," he said.

"The main contract comprises the formation of about 26 hectares of land for residential and community facilities development, construction of about two kilometres of dual two-way carriageway, local roads, footpath, cycle track, two pedestrian and cycle bridges, stormwater and sewerage channels, three sewage pumping stations, river training, laying of watermains and landscape works."

Works will commence next week for completion in mid-2000.

"Meanwhile, public housing construction in Phase IIB area has commenced for completion in late 2000 to accommodate a population of 35,000," Mr Pang said.

Tung Chung Development Phase II, which is designed for a population of 64,000 and will involve formation of a total of 65 hectares of land, is part of the Government's programme to develop Tung Chung as the territory's ninth new town on North Lantau.

Phase I of the development was being launched as one of the 10 projects on the Airport Core Programme, said Mr Pang.

"It is designed to serve an initial community of about 20,000 people to support the operation of the new airport.

"Reclamation and site formation commenced in April 1992 and was completed in May 1994 in which 67 hectares of land has been formed.

"Construction works in progress include the second sea channel bridge crossing to the new airport at Chek Lap Kok, local roads and associated storm water drainage and sewerage system, a footbridge, four subways, public transport interchange facilities, water mains and other utilities.

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"These are scheduled for completion in January next year," he said.