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Planning, Land and Infrastructure

awarded for the desalination plant. Infrastructural works to supply reclaimed water to the north- eastern New Territories for non-potable uses and preparations for the associated legislation are also in progress. The government will monitor water demand and supply and take necessary action to ensure a steady, sustainable water supply in Hong Kong.

Water Works

The main works for the in-situ reprovisioning of Sha Tin Water Treatment Works (South Works) are targeted to begin in early 2020 for completion in end-2025.

Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point

The Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point is a cross-boundary infrastructural project carried out jointly by the HKSAR Government and the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. It is designed to offer direct access by passengers and vehicles. The Heung Yuen Wai Highway, which connects to the new control point, was opened in May, facilitating the commuting of local residents and relieving traffic congestion around Sha Tau Kok Road. By end- 2019, construction of the control point was substantially completed and the installation and testing of equipment was in the final stage.

Construction Industry

Construction Industry Council

The Construction Industry Council supports the development of the construction industry, in particular by training construction workers. In 2019, it introduced an Approved Technical Talents Training Programme to provide systematic training and clear career advancement pathways. The government encourages contractors to employ these trainees through public works contracts to attract more young people to join the industry.

On its website, the council provides monthly updates of the number of registered skilled workers in the various construction trades and their attendance rate at construction sites. This helps the industry monitor its manpower and plan for its manpower needs.

The government works with the council to promote the $1 billion Construction Innovation and Technology Fund, launched in October 2018, to encourage wider adoption of innovative technologies and nurture an innovative mindset to transform the industry. As at December 2019, more than 700 applications amounting to over $160 million were approved.

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In April, the council launched a Registered Specialist Trade Contractors Scheme to enhance five core elements - safety, management, job experience, execution and finance in seven specialist trades, namely demolition, scaffolding, concreting formwork, reinforcement bar fixing, concreting, erection of concrete precast components and installation of curtain walls.

The council also published new building information modelling standards and provided training and certified managers to help the industry adopt this technology in their construction projects.

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