XN000022-1997-01-24 — Page 34

- 32 -

Govt to resume private lots in North Tsing Yi

The Governor-in-Council has approved plans to resume a number of private lots in North Tsing Yi for the provision of land for district open space in accordance with the approved Tsing Yi Outline Zoning Plan.

The proposed district open space will also serve as a buffer to minimise any noise impact from shipyard operations on nearby residents.

Details of the affected lots, which have a total area of 9,830 square metres, are gazetted today (Friday).

A Government spokesman said that the approved Tsing Yi Outline Zoning Plan included an area of about seven hectares for district open space and Government/Institution/Community facilities in North Tsing Yi.

"Part of the area (5.32 hectares) is occupied by a number of shipyards. The Government plans to reclaim 3.78 hectares," the spokesman said.

The proposed reclamation works include the construction of a 520 metres long pitched slope rubble seawall, reclamation of about 3.78 hectares of foreshore and sea- bed, a public pier, and associated drainage works.

Works are planned to begin in October 1998 for completion in January 2001.

Shipyard operators who own the affected private lots may make statutory claims under the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance and, if their claims cannot be settled by agreement, they may apply to the Lands Tribunal for a decision.

Some of the affected shipyard operators hold Government land under Short Term Tenancies.

"The tenancies can be terminated with advance notice. No compensation will be payable on such termination. However, under the current policy, the shipyard operators may be eligible for ex-gratia allowances," the spokesman clarified.

The Government has no obligation to offer the affected shipyard operators replacement sites. However, in recognition of the contribution made by the shipyards to the operation of the port and the economy, new sites have been formed in the vicinity.