ENG-1988 — Page 240

198

LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

growing traffic demands, the Tsing Tsuen Bridge, the second bridge connecting Tsing Yi Island to the mainland and the longest in the territory, was completed in late 1987. Also, Route 5 (Tsuen Wan section) and construction works along the busy Kwai Chung Road, including two flyovers at the junction of Kwai Chung Road/Castle Peak Road, are well underway. Further major highways projects in the pipeline include the outstanding sections of New Container Port Road, the widening of the southern part Kwai Chung Road and the provision of a flyover along Texaco Road.

To meet the recreational needs of the expanding population, work on the Kwai Chung Park at Gin Drinker's Bay is well underway. Detailed study has also started on the development of Shing Mun Valley into a district open space.

Redevelopment of some of the older public housing estates, namely the Tai Wo Hau, Kwai Fong and Kwai Hing Estate in Kwai Chung is underway to provide improved living conditions and environment for the residents. Upon completion there will be a total of 11 300 rental flats for about 45 000 people, together with 1 800 Home Ownership Scheme flats for another 6 500.

Tuen Mun

The population in Tuen Mun has already risen to about 300 000 and the development of land which is in the pipeline will raise the population to over 500 000 by the mid-1990s.

High-density development is concentrated on land reclaimed from Castle Peak Bay and along the adjoining valley floor between the Castle Peak ridge and the Tai Lam Hills. In 1988 land reclaimed from the sea amounted to about 29 hectares for residential and industrial development. In this core of the town, eight public housing estates have been built and are occupied by some 180 000 people. Another three housing estates under construction at present will accommodate 60 000 people. In addition, seven Home Ownership and Private Sector Participation Schemes have provided improved home for 50 000 people and five more schemes are due to be implemented in the coming years.

In the town centre, the auditorium and the magistracy building were put into use and a large department store was opened. The present town park is also being expanded.

A comprehensive recreation area is being developed at the Butterfly Beach and a promenade on the east side of the nullah.

The migration of mostly younger households into the new town has led to an abnormally high level of demand for school facilities. The school building programme has been advanced and five primary schools and seven secondary schools are under construction to meet the demand.

1

The existing industrial areas are largely developed, accommodating around 1700 companies and providing jobs for more than 33 000 workers.

Stage I of the Tuen Mun-Yuen Long Light Rail Transit System was commissioned in September 1988. At the southern end of the system is the transport interchange at the Tuen Mun Pierhead, where there are also terminal facilities for buses, taxis, public light buses, and a hoverferry service to Central District on Hong Kong Island.

In the low-density residential areas along the coast to the southeast of the town, work is proceeding on a marina which will comprise residential buildings, shops, hotel and recreational facilities, including berths for 300 pleasure crafts.

Tai Po

Tai Po New Town is located at the north-western extremity of Tolo Harbour, about 20 kilometres north of Kowloon. Good transportation links are provided by the Tolo

Page 240Page 241