ENG-1994 — Page 275

LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

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station, nine-kilometre sewer tunnel and 3.1-kilometre submarine outfall, was commis- sioned in March 1993.

The large tracts of low-lying land to the north and west of Yuen Long are particularly susceptible to flooding during heavy rains. A series of major flood prevention projects have been planned to solve this problem. Among them are two contracts to improve flood control measures on the Shan Pui River and Kam Tin River, awarded in October 1993 and April 1994, respectively.

Tseung Kwan O and Sai Kung

The development of Tseung Kwan O new town, which started in 1982, is divided into three phases. The major part of the new development areas is being formed by reclaiming Tseung Kwan O Bay. About 66 million cubic metres of fill material will have been placed on completion of the whole reclamation. The Phase I area has been substantially completed. Reclamation for the other phases is in progress, with the drawn-up programme extending beyond the year 2000.

The population of the new town, which stood at 136 000 at the end of the year, will reach over 400 000 upon full development by 2010.

About 450 hectares of land have been formed at Tseung Kwan O new town. Engineering infrastructure has been provided to cater for private and public housing. The development of community facilities is underway. Reclamation of the town centre area, currently in - -progress, is expected to be completed by the end of 1999, and will provide additional land

for commercial, residential, government institutional and community uses.

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Work continues for the provision of land and services for the Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate. An initial 26 hectares of land were completed in 1994. Upon full completion in 1996, an additional 64 hectares will be available for industrial development. Reclamation is also in progress to develop the southern part of Siu Chik Sha for industrial use.

In preparation for further industrial development, a plan is being drawn up to develop a 100-hectare site to the south of Tseung Kwan O for deep waterfront industries and potentially hazardous installations. Design work is in hand for reclamation of the required land to begin at the end of 1995.

Islands District

Hong Kong's ninth new town is beginning to rise at Tung Chung and Tai Ho on northern Lantau Island, to provide a supporting community for the new airport at nearby Chek Lap Kok.

A comprehensive development — incorporating residential, industrial and commercial facilities and all the necessary supporting infrastructure - has been designed to modern international standards.

The new town will comprise about 760 hectares of land. As well as playing a pivotal role at the gateway to Hong Kong, it will respond to the need for further development space.

The new town will comprise two discrete urban development areas at Tung Chung and Tai Ho, with proposed populations of 150 000 and 50 000, respectively, by the year 2011. Residential and commercial developments will be concentrated in the town centre and two district centres in Tung Chung and Tai Ho, each incorporating a Lantau Line railway station and public transport terminus. The town centre will provide the retail, commercial and