ENG-1992 — Page 277

16

AIRPORT

FOR an externally orientated economy like Hong Kong, an efficient international airport plays a vital role. Efficient road and rail transport facilities are also essential, along with land for development. Without such basic ingredients, an economy like Hong Kong's cannot flourish and grow.

The Airport Core Programme (ACP) has been designed to provide these facilities in 10 core projects which will build a base for economic expansion into the next century. Hong Kong's key role as a centre for international and regional aviation will be enhanced by a new modern airport located away from centres of urban population and capable of operating round-the-clock. Associated infrastructure developments will relieve serious traffic congestion, open up new land for urban development and for further expansion of port facilities. New space will be provided for recreational activities, and there will be overall environmental benefits.

The programme comprises: an airport at Chek Lap Kok off north Lantau to replace Kai Tak in 1997; six road and rail projects, including extensive tunnels and bridges, stretching from the central district under the harbour, along the west side of Kowloon, across Tsing Yi and Ma Wan, and along the north Lantau coast; two major land reclamations in West Kowloon and Central; and a new town on north Lantau.

Overall the programme is based on sound financial principles with good returns for government investments and maximum involvement of the private sector. Cost-effective concepts and designs have been drawn up for individual projects. Contracts are being placed on the basis of open and fair tender evaluations, and there are strong and comprehensive financial and project management controls.

The Need to Replace Kai Tak

A new airport is needed because Kai Tak, which has only one runway, is approaching its full capacity of 24 million passengers a year and cannot viably be enlarged beyond a current expansion programme. In terms of international traffic, it is already the world's fourth busiest airport for passengers, and freight. It handles about 80 per cent of Hong Kong's six million visitors a year and 30 per cent of its domestic exports. It also plays an important role in the development of southern China, as well as Hong Kong.

In the past year, throughput of passengers has been growing at about 12 per cent. This means that Kai Tak will be unable to accommodate forecast passenger demand before the new airport at Chek Lap Kok is planned to open in 1997. If this happens, Hong Kong's

233