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WK Lo’s LegCo Express
May 2017
1. Submission on the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area
On 23 May, along with other LegCo members from the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, I met the CE to submit a proposal on the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. We expressed our views on how to seek opportunities for Hong Kong in the Bay Area initiative. We believe that we must break the existing regional barriers and establish a sound cooperation system among the three sides in order to achieve the best socio-economic benefits. To view the press release on this, please visit the website at:
http://www.bpahk.org/category/press/
I also asked the CE at the LegCo meeting on 1 June whether the Administration will set up a task force for the Bay Area development and how to ensure the successful transition of this project between the current-term and new term Governments. The CE replied that the Government would study how to make use of the Bay Area initiative to enhance the flow of people, goods and capital. A framework and direction for this task would be outlined by the SAR Government during its current term. To view my question and the reply from the CE, please click this link:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201706/01/P2017060100593.htm (Chinese Only)
2. Funding requests approved by the PWSC
On 31 May, the PWSC approved a funding request of HK$31.9 billion for Kai Tak Sports Park construction works. The project site occupies an area of around 28 hectares in the north apron of the former Hong Kong International Airport in Kai Tak.
3. Funding request approved by the FC
On 12 May, the Finance Committee approved a funding request of HK$6 billion for Hong Kong’s subscription to shares in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) (comprising HK$1.2 billion for paid-in shares and HK$4.8 billion for callable shares). Hong Kong has applied to join the AIIB, and will become a member of the AIIB upon confirmation of our subscription.
4. Elected Chairman of the Subcommittee on Promotion of Recycling and Proper Disposal (Electrical Equipment and Electronic Equipment) (Amendment) Ordinance 2016 (Commencement) Notice 2017 and Product Eco-Responsibility (Regulated Electrical Equipment) Regulation
The Commencement Notice was published in the Gazette on 21 April 2017. The purpose of the Commencement Notice is to provide the necessary legal basis for further preparatory work for producer responsibility schemes for waste electrical and electronic equipment. A Subcommittee was set up to discuss on the Notice and Regulation. I was elected Chairman of the Subcommittee. To allow more time for the Subcommittee to consider the Commencement Notice, I moved a motion at the LegCo meeting of 24 May to extend the scrutiny period of the Commencement Notice to 14 June. I will deliver Chairman Report on 14 June. The Subcommittee and the Administration will not move any amendment to the Commencement Notice.
5. Elected Chairman of the Bills Committee on Waterworks (Amendment) Bill 2017
The Administration introduced into the LegCo the Waterworks (Amendment) Bill 2017 for amending Waterworks Ordinance and Waterworks Regulations, so that the persons other than licensed plumber and public officers authorized by the Water Authority can carry out the works. I was elected Chairman of the Bills Committee at the first meeting on 19 May.
6. Subcommittee on Technical Legislative Amendments on Traffic Arrangements for the Hong Kong—Zhuhai—Macao Bridge (HZMB)
To provide a legal basis for the traffic arrangements for HZMB, the Administration introduced technical amendments to the relevant transport-related legislation. The amendments cover the operation of drop gates, management of the two new government tunnels, "driving on the right" arrangement, permitted operating areas for New Territories taxis and Lantau Taxis, additional taxi fare under the two-way toll collection of the Lantau Link. I joined the Subcommittee in May. The Subcommittee and the Administration will not move any amendments.
7. Visited Muk Wu Raw Water Pumping Station and Tai Po Water Treatment Works
On 22 May, members visited Muk Wu raw water pumping station and Tai Po water treatment works to gain a deeper understanding on the operation of the pumping station as well as the latest technologies adopted in water treatment and monitoring of water quality.
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