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Infrastructure
Projects
56.
Developing
our infrastructure can promote economic development,
increase employment opportunities and improve our
living environment. As I have previously
pledged, we will continue to earmark $29 billion a
year on average for infrastructure projects over the
next few years.
57.
During the
Budget consultation period, I heard many suggestions
for the Government to expedite the implementation of
various infrastructure projects in order to create
more employment opportunities for the local
construction industry. We fully recognise the
aspirations of the community and have been making
great endeavours to this end. The relevant
bureaux and works departments will expedite the
implementation of major infrastructure projects.
In the next financial year, a number of major
projects will commence construction, including the
Tamar development project, the improvement and
upgrading works for the 2009 East Asian Games sports
facilities, Stage 2 of the Replacement and
Rehabilitation Programme for Water Mains, and
drainage works in various districts. It is
expected that these will create about 23 000
jobs for the construction industry.
58.
In addition,
we are now planning some major projects, including
the Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Wan Chai Development
Phase II, Central Kowloon Route and Kai Tak Development, which will involve
expenditure of $25.2 billion, $12.5 billion and $9.8
billion respectively. We expect that their
implementation will provide about 14 000 new
jobs for the construction industry. However,
these projects have yet to commence as they require
more time for preparatory work, including public
consultation. We very much hope, therefore,
that the various sectors of the community can reach
a consensus on these projects as soon as possible,
so that an early start can be made on them.
59.
We have also revised
the Concept Plan for Lantau. In accordance
with the overall planning concept of balanced
development and conservation, we will accord
priority to those projects that can stimulate the
local economy and improve people's livelihood.
For other projects with implications for the
long-term economic development of Hong Kong, we will deliberate on the best implementation
model and timetable according to actual
circumstances. The feasibility study for the
Logistics Park, for example, will shortly be completed.
Thereafter, the Government will consult the public
on details of the implementation plan.
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