1. My questions regarding Budget 2016-17

I have raised over 40 questions regarding the Budget 2016-17, which covered policy areas on housing, environment, planning and lands, commerce, public works, innovation and technology and transportation. To view my questions and replies from the Government, please click the following link:

http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr15-16/english/fc/fc/agenda/fc20160401.htm

 

2. Construction sector appealed against filibustering

The Construction Industry Alliance organized a “Stop Filibustering” rally on 13 March 2016 to express their discontent against filibustering in the LegCo. The Police estimated that around 2,900 people participated. Filibustering in Legco has disrupted the orderly flow of funds from the government, blocking new capital work projects, and threating jobs of the 400,000 people employed in the sector.  Together with Chairman of the Finance Committee, I received the petition from construction industry representatives outside LegCo Complex. 

 

The Alliance will organize another event of “Say NO to Filibustering Parade for Livelihood” on Sunday, 10 April 2016, to build up public awareness on the impact of the filibustering to the construction industry and the local economy. The time is from 1:30pm to 4pm, and the assembly point is Southorn Playground, Wanchai.  

 

 

3. Funding proposals approved in the Finance Committee

At the Finance Committee meeting on 30 Jan, the additional funding proposal of Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities was approved, increasing the project estimate by $5,461.1 million, from $30,433.9 million to $35,895.0 million. Following this, the funding proposal of an increase in the project estimate for the Hong Kong Section of Guangzhou – Shenzhen – Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) by $19,602.5 million, from $66,817.5 million to $86,420 million was approved on 11 March. On 19 March, the Finance Committee approved another funding request of $12,826.7 million for the 2016-17 block allocations under the Capital Works Reserve Fund, which enables government departments to carry out various minor improvement works. 

 

4. Retained a directorate post in Highways Department

At the meeting of the Establishment Subcommittee on 2 March, the request to retain a directorate post in Highways Department for monitoring the completion of the Shatin to Central link (SCL) project and the Kwun Tong Line Extension (KTE) project was discussed. Most members agreed to the proposed retention of the supernumerary Chief Engineer post till 31 March 2022 to continue to provide professional support for implementing SCL and KTE. The proposal was passed in the Subcommittee.

 

5. Work Plan of the Review of Air Quality Objectives

At the panel meeting of Environmental Affairs on 30 March, the Government briefed members the work plan of the review of Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) and the latest progress of the implementation of air quality improvement measures. In the coming AQOs review, the Government will set up an AQOs Review Working Group to gather views via dedicated sub-groups on four key aspects, namely air science and health, emission reduction in energy and power generation, road transportation, and marine transportation. A platform for stakeholders will be provided to share views and foster consensus so as to help the Government draw up the review findings and recommendations, which will be reported to the LegCo in mid-2018. Thereafter, a 3-month public consultation on the recommendations will be launched. 

 

6. New Air Traffic Control System in Civil Aviation Department

At the panel meeting on Economic Development on 24 March, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) introduced the latest progress on the replacement of the Air Traffic Control System (ATC). The new Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) procured by CAD can handle 8000 flight plans per day and can monitor 1500 air or ground targets, making it capable of coping with air traffic growth even under 3RS operation in future. The new ATC System is implemented through a total of eight system contracts, of which seven have been completed and commissioned in phases since 2013. The new ATMS is at its final stage of preparation for rollout. The new ATMS will be launched from June 2016 onwards, and be fully commissioned and operated by October/November 2016.