ENG-1966 — Page 258

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COMMUNICATIONS

Continuous rain in early June, culminating in the exceptionally heavy rainstorm on 12th June, caused severe damage, particularly on Hong Kong Island where many roads were washed away or blocked and communications to many residential districts were completely severed. All government departments concerned were organized on an emergency basis and, assisted by the Army and civilian contractors, worked round the clock to clear essential traffic routes within 48 hours. Permanent repairs were required at over 200 sites, most being completed or nearly completed at the end of the year. A total of $6,925,000 was spent on clearance and repairs to roads damaged as a result of the storm.

Mechanization of the government quarry in Hong Kong was substantially completed. The installation of modern equipment in the government quarry in Kowloon was delayed due to the June rainstorm, but this quarry will be fully functioning by April 1967.

PARKING

Most car parking in Hong Kong is provided free on the road system. Increasing pressure of demand has led to the construction of four government multi-storey car parks, managed by the Urban Council, with a total capacity of 2,292 cars. In addition 1,022 parking spaces in temporary open air car parks, also managed by the Urban Council, have heen established on Crown land awaiting development.

The government policy on parking provision is that the govern- ment itself will only provide car parks in the main commuter areas. In areas of mixed commuter and residential development the government is prepared at present to sell land for car parks and associated development at a price slightly lower than that for unrestricted development. Where government car parks are provided it is the intention that revenue should at least cover full costs of provision and operation. On 1st May 1966 government fees for the multi-storey car parks were doubled and now run at 60 cents an hour for most of the day with a minimum charge of $1.50. A monthly pass is available at $120. In temporary car parks the fee is $1.50 for half a day or $3 for the whole day and monthly passes may be used.