XN000022-1997-04-16 — Page 11

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"Such a message will enhance Hong Kong's status as a service centre for infrastructural development," said Mr Lam.

The fireworks, sponsored by Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd, would be discharged at 8 pm from three barges moored in the Ma Wan Channel and will last for about 20 minutes. As part of the display there will be a waterfall fireworks, lasting for about 45 seconds.

The former British Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Baroness Thatcher and the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten will officiate at the ceremony.

More than 2,400 people were expected to take part, either as guests or participants in the various events being planned.

These events include a parade by community groups from 18 districts and a flotilla of boats of all types to represent the local marine community.

In addition, there will be a fly-past staged by the Royal Air Force and the Government Flying Service.

The ceremony will also feature a drive through the Lantau Link with Baroness Thatcher and the Governor leading a motorcade that will drive across the two bridges.

In terms of public viewing of the display, Mr Lam said that unfortunately there were not many areas in the territory which would offer a good view of the fireworks display.

The main viewing point for members of the public would be along Castle Peak Road between Hoi On Road and Siu Lam.

"However, Castle Peak Road is a narrow, winding road which cannot accommodate large crowds and vehicular traffic at the same time," he said.

He said the terrain of this road would limit spectators to a maximum of 300,000 and once the Police consider it operationally essential to do so, people still turning up would be advised not to enter the pedestrianized section of Castle Peak Road.

To ensure public safety, an inter-departmental working group comprising, among others, representatives from the Police, Transport Department, Home Affairs Department, the Marine Department, and NAPCO have been meeting over the past few months to work out detailed crowd control, traffic and public transportation arrangements.