26 October 2005
The Honourable Donald Tsang, GBM
The Chief Executive
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
People’s Republic of China
Chief Executive Office
Hong Kong
Motions passed at the meeting of the
Public Works Subcommittee of the Finance Committee of the
Legislative Council on 26 October 2005
At its meeting on 26 October 2005, the Public Works Subcommittee (PWSC) has examined the forecast of submissions provided by the Administration which gives an overview of the potential capital works to be submitted to the PWSC in the 2005-06 legislative session.
In studying the items, some members have expressed dissatisfaction at the complete absence in the forecast (which contains a total of 76 items) of any potential capital works projects to target at residents in Tin Shui Wai. Some members also consider that the projects to improve recreational and community services in areas in New Territories East and New Territories West are insufficient to meet the needs of residents. In the view of members, the forecast of submissions should be reviewed to include more works projects to address the issues.
Regarding Tin Shui Wai, a member has specifically pointed out that it is a fast developing new town where community, cultural and recreational facilities are in serious shortage. The same view has been expressed by the Review Panel on Family Services in Tin Shui Wai in its Report released in November 2004, in which the Review Panel has urged the Government to take more rigorous efforts in developing and delivering enhanced facilities and services in Tin Shui Wai. The member has also referred to the Chief Executive’s 2005-06 Policy Address, in which you have pledged that to better respond to the demands of the people, the Government will, among other things, enhance services provided in districts, raise the capacity to deal with issues concerning people’s livelihood, and strengthen community building at the district level.
On the traffic side, some members of PWSC have expressed concern about serious traffic congestion resulting from the impending commissioning of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor next year. They are dissatisfied that no effective measures to deal with the problem in the short-term have been included in the forecast.
In relation to the above issues, PWSC has passed two motions at the meeting, as follows –
Motion 1
就2005-2006年度立法會會期提交工務小組委員會的基本工程項目，在76項計劃中，其中沒有任何計劃涉及天水圍的康樂文化及社區設施，本小組委員會深表關注，並促請政府應覆檢上述計劃，並加入天水圍有關項目。本小組委員會進一步要求政府覆檢並加入更多新界東西兩區之康樂文化及社區設施之項目。
(English translation)
This Subcommittee is deeply concerned about the capital works projects to be submitted to the Public Works Subcommittee in the 2005-2006 legislative session where none of the 76 projects involves recreational, cultural and community facilities in Tin Shui Wai, and urges the Government to review the above projects to include relevant projects in Tin Shui Wai. This Subcommittee further requests the Government to conduct a review and include more projects on recreational, cultural and community facilities for New Territories East and New Territories West.
Motion 2
就2005-2006年度立法會會期提交工務小組委員會的基本工程項目，在76項計劃中，其中沒有任何計劃能夠短期解決因深西通道落成後帶來的交通擠塞問題。本小組委員會深表關注，並促請政府覆檢上述計劃加入短期可以解決上述交通擠塞問題的項目。
(English translation)
This Subcommittee is deeply concerned about the capital works projects to be submitted to the Public Works Subcommittee in the 2005-2006 legislative session where none of the 76 projects can solve the traffic congestion problem resulting from the completion of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor in the short run, and urges the Government to review the above projects to include projects that can solve the traffic congestion problem in the short run.
On behalf of the Subcommittee, I am writing to convey to you the concerns expressed by members and the above two carried motions, with the earnest hope that your goodself could give personal attention to the matters.
With best regards,
(Ir Dr Raymond HO Chung-tai)
Chairman
Public Works Subcommittee