ENG-1993 — Page 260

LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

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In the 12-month period to March 1993, tender prices for the projects undertaken dropped by about one per cent. Over the same period, labour and basic material costs rose by 10 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.

The year saw considerable progress in implementing the government's policy of self-sufficiency in office buildings. The fitting-out of the third tower of the North Wanchai complex was completed and the tower is now occupied by the Inland Revenue and Environmental Protection Departments. Previous phases of the complex accommodated the Immigration Department, the Wanchai North Law Courts and other government departments.

A purpose-built office in Ho Man Tin now accommodates branches of the Highways Department under one roof. Also sharing the building is the Government Laboratory, and a fire services and ambulance depot.

In Tsuen Wan, a government office has been combined with a Regional Council library in a distinctive mid-town complex the latter officially opened by the Governor in July.

Much of the planned infrastructure for the new airport has necessitated relocation of other facilities, such as the wholesale markets at Cheung Sha Wan and Kennedy Town. This work progressed well during the year, with Phase I of the relocated Cheung Sha Wan market being opened in October.

The government's continued commitment to improving facilities for handicapped persons was reflected in the completion of the third phase of a core programme to modify existing public buildings to facilitate access for the disabled. In total, 125 locations, ranging from hospitals and post offices to markets and playgrounds, have been provided with ramped access and, where feasible, special toilets.

Less evident to the public, but of significance, are the continuing series of buildings on hill-top sites across the territory. Most are for telecommunications or radar for the airport; others are related to communications links with China. There is an on-going programme to improve access to such sites by constructing helipads, where these are not already provided.

Major medical projects started during the year included the Extension Block at Princess Margaret Hospital, with a planned completion date of 1995; the redevelopment of the Jockey Club Institute of Radiology and Oncology at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the Phase I Redevelopment of the Castle Peak Hospital, both due to be completed in 1996. Also begun were the Princess Margaret Hospital refurbishment, and the Tai Po Infirmary and Convalescent Hospital, both planned for completion in 1997. Other projects under construction included the Queen Elizabeth Hospital refurbishment, due for completion in 1996; the Queen Mary Hospital extension and improvement, due for completion in 1995; the Cancer Centre at the Prince of Wales Hospital and the Shum Wan Laundry, both due for completion in 1994; the refurbishment of the existing Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club Polytechnic; the Wong Chuk Hang Complex for the Elderly; and a well-woman clinic. Projects completed during the year included the Siu Lam Hospital Extension, the Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club Polyclinic Extension, the Tin Shui Wai Clinic, the Tuen Mun Clinic and the new X-ray unit for accident and emergency services at the Tai Po Jockey Club Clinic.

Construction was completed on a number of Urban Council projects, including Quarry Bay Park, Wanchai Park, Shek Kip Mei Park Stage III, the greenhouse at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the Indoor Games Hall Lam Tin South, Sam Ka Tsuen Recreation Ground and Cape Collinson Columbarium. Work began on four market