ENG-2001 — Page 277

LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

The advance infrastructural works commenced in October 1999 for completion in early 2002. The Stage 1 works of the remaining infrastructure works are programmed to commence in mid-2002 for completion in mid-2004.

Fanling and Sheung Shui

Fanling and Sheung Shui are former traditional market towns which now have a population of over 237 000. The total development area is about 780 hectares. The new town's population is expected to reach nearly 246 000 at the end of the decade. The river training works at River Indus Basin to relieve the risk of flooding in the Fanling and Sheung Shui area continue. The works are scheduled for completion in 2003.

Yuen Long

Yuen Long new town has a current population of about 158 000 and this is expected to grow to around 211 000 by 2010. It covers a development of about 1 170 hectares. Development is spreading to the Tuen Mun-Yuen Long Corridor, and the rural area is being rejuvenated and new infrastructure provided.

Yuen Long new town development will be extended southward. Infrastructure works in connection with the new town's southern extension area will be implemented from end-2002 for completion by 2005.

Tseung Kwan O

The development of Tseung Kwan O new town, which started in 1982, is divided into three phases. Phase I has been substantially completed, with about 568 hectares of land formed. Engineering infrastructure has been provided to cater for private and public housing and associated community facilities.

Phase II, which includes the reclamation and engineering infrastructure for the town centre north and central areas, will be complete at the end of 2002. It will provide 96 hectares of land for commercial, residential, government, institutional and community uses.

Phase III, for the reclamation of town centre south, is in progress and the provision of 95 hectares of serviced land for the Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate has been completed.

In preparation for further industrial development, about 104 hectares of land south of Tseung Kwan O will be developed for various industrial uses including potentially hazardous installations. Reclamation work is in progress.

A landscape restoration and improvement programme for the designated green belt and conservation areas was initiated in 1998. About 2.5 million seedling trees have been planted and about half a million trees will be planted in 2002.

The New Town has a current population of about 263 000 and this will increase to about 357 000 by 2010. A study will be carried out on the future development of the new town including the planned Western Coast Road, which will provide additional road capacity between the new town and the metro area. The MTR Tseung Kwan O Extension, connecting to the Kwun Tong Line, is being constructed for completion by the end of 2002.

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