XN000022-1997-03-10 — Page 11

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Outlying Islands Transfer Facilities contract awarded

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (Monday) signed a contract for the development of the Outlying Islands Transfer Facilities (OITF) to improve waste transfer arrangements for the communities on the islands.

The contract was awarded to Swire BFI Waste Services Limited, a company jointly owned by Swire Pacific Ltd and the American waste management company Browning Ferris Industries Inc.

Under the contract, the company is required to design, construct and operate the facilities for fifteen years.

Speaking at today's contract signing ceremony, the Assistant Director (Waste Facilities) of Environmental Protection, Mr Benny Wong, said that the OITF would be the seventh transfer facility under the Waste Disposal Strategy aiming to provide a cost-effective and environmentally sound system for the transportation and disposal of waste in Hong Kong.

"Under our present strategy, the whole territory will be served by three large strategic landfills and a network of nine refuse transfer facilities," he said.

"At present, three transfer stations are already in operation at Kowloon Bay, Chai Wan and Sha Tin, whilst three stations are being built at Kennedy Town, West Kowloon Reclamation and Siu Ho Wan," he added.

Mr Wong noted that the capital cost for the whole OITF project would be about HK$324 million and the annual operation cost would be in the order of HK$45 million.

He pointed out that the OITF would comprise a network of seven mini-stations located at different islands to serve the scattered island communities.

"It is most important that proper waste disposal arrangements are put in place for these islands as they attract thousands of holiday-makers and tourists," he said.

Capable of handling up to 610 tonnes of waste a day, the OITF will, in addition to municipal refuse, handle waterworks and sewage sludge and small quantities of construction waste.

He explained that construction work of the OITF would be carried out in phases.

"The stations at Mui Wo, Cheung Chau, Peng Chau and Hei Ling Chau will be constructed first and are expected to commence operation in mid 1998," he said.