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2
me
too
forthcoming but accused the Government of trying its utmost to build up a large surplus in order to accommodate over-spending in the PADS projects. Some believed that the Government was reluctant to amend the budget as it did not want to show loss of integrity but in so doing had ignored the interest of the middle and lower income groups.
5.
A
small number of respondents welcomed the FS' assurance to address the housing problems of the sandwiched classes.
AIRPORT CORE PROJECTS
6.
these projects.
There was general concern at the 14% cost escalation in less than а year. Many respondents associated the rise in cost with the construction cost over-run of the HKUST and criticized that the Government had once again proved that it was not able to accurately estimate the cost of large scale projects and had demonstrated its failure to closely monitor the expenditure of
Some of them believed that the Government had' intentionally under-estimated the cost of the Airport Core Projects in order
secure the go-ahead from China. Now that agreement had been reached, these respondents expected more cost revisions to come and they were worried that the Government would resort to tax increases in order to cover the additional costs. Some respondents appreciated that the cost increase was largely brought about by inflation keep inflation down.
7.
Most respondents
and urged Government to do more to
saw British companies being favoured Some respondents noticed that in some awarded to the lowest bidders and
in the award of contracts. cases, contracts were not questioned the reason for not following the normal tendering procedures.
8.
Most
respondents were not receptive to the FS' claim that the cost
the public would remain unchanged despite the rise. They were concerned that there would be further revisions which would have an adverse effect on the economy. Many remained suspicious that the huge budgetary surplus was intended to meet increases in expenditure on the airport related projects.
Some respondents called for a more accurate cost assessment procedure of public works contracts which took account
9.
of inflation.
CLEARANCE OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY
10.
The respondents in general regarded the handling by the police of the recent clearance of the Kowloon Walled City as proper and reasonable. They were not sympathetic towards the clearees, pointing out that the latter had been provided with adequate notice, cash compensation and/or rehousing provision, as well as the proper channels of appeal, and should not therefore resort to the use of force to obtain further compensation. These respondents hoped that the Administration would take further steps to ensure a smooth clearance of the final phase in June.
City and New Territories Administration
10 April 1992
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