Working Reports

WK LO's LegCo Express 

 

 

1. PWSC endorsed additional funding request of Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities

The proposal was to increase the approved project estimate by $5.46 billion, from $30.43 billion to $35.89 billion, in money-of-the-day prices to cover the increased cost of the works under the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities project. As Chairman of the PWSC, I pointed out at the beginning of the PWSC meeting on 19 Dec that the Subcommittee had spent seven hours on the deliberation of the above proposal since the meeting on 1 Dec 2015. Up to the meeting on 12 Dec 2015, 25 members had raised questions on the proposal. Altogether, these members had asked questions for a total of 111 times. I emphasized the Chairman’s responsibility to ensure orderly, fair and proper conducting of meetings. The funding request was endorsed at the meeting and would be put forwarded to the Finance Committee meeting.

 

2. Filibustering slowed down capital works funding approval

I met the Construction Industry Alliance on 22 Dec to listen to their concern over filibustering at the LegCo. The construction industry is very worried because the filibustering has resulted in further delay of public works projects. I pointed out that till December the PWSC had held eight meetings in this session but only five funding proposals had been examined and endorsed so far. I explained to members of the Alliance that the Government planned to submit to the PWSC in this fiscal year 72 public project proposals amounting to $67.5 billion. I am concerned that many of the remaining projects could not be dealt with by the PWSC and the Finance Committee if the situation could not improve.

 

3. Visited construction site of West Kowloon Terminus of HK Section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-HK Express Rail Link

Together with some other LegCo members, I visited the construction site of the West Kowloon Terminus (WKT) of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) on 13 Dec to better understand progress of the project. Members were briefed on the latest progress of the structural works of the WKT, about 75 percent of which has already been completed. I am concerned that the Government would have to deal with large sums of compensation claims if the additional funding request of the project is not approved by the Finance Committee. I urged LegCo members of different political parties to support the additional funding request of this project, which is very important to maintain Hong Kong’s strategic position in the region.

 

4. Met the Water Supplies Department

Together with the Hon Tony Tse and the Hon Abraham Shek, I met the Director of Water Supplies on 2 Dec to express concern over the issue of excessive lead content in drinking water. The building industry reflected that since the lead water incident happened in July, recent progress of building projects were hindered due to lengthened approval time of WSD. We urged the Government to expedite the approval process of pipeline connecting plans of new buildings, so as not to cause delay of the approval of occupation permits and overall progress of the building projects. The Director replied that a sub-committee was established to enhance communication with the industry. The number of laboratories qualified to carry out related water tests is also increased and more measures would be taken to accelerate the approval process.

 

5. Harbour Area Treatment Scheme Stage 2A came into full operation

Together with the Chief Executive and related Government officials, I officiated at the opening ceremony of Harbour Area Treatment Scheme Stage 2A on 19 Dec. The scheme is the largest environmental infrastructure project in Hong Kong's history, spanning two decades at a total cost of $25.8 billion. It involves the construction of over 44km of sewage tunnels, part of which is 160 metres below sea level. The Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works is upgraded to treat 900 million cubic metres of sewage annually, enabling it to serve more than five million people.

 

6. Awarded the HKIE Hall of Fame 2015

I am very honoured to be one of the thirteen inductees of the HKIE Hall of Fame 2015. The HKIE Hall of Fame is dedicated to honour members who have made exemplary contribution and outstanding achievements to the Institution, the engineering profession and the community. I would like to share my joy and pride with you. In the years ahead, I will continue to join hands with you to contribute to the advancement of the engineering profession and the community.