Public Works Subcommittee and the Finance Committee will discuss a list of construction proposals which cost up to $8 billion. It remains to see whether the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge will make it through the PWSC but one thing for sure, pan-dems will not be silent.
June 9 Tuesday
$5.5 billion more for Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge
Public Works Subcommittee will continue discussing the funding of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities. The Government is seeking to increase the project estimate of the construction project by $5,461.1 million from $30,433.9 million to $35,895.0 million.
Meeting of Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene
Members will discuss the implementation of the Nutrition Labelling Scheme which came into effect in 2010. Up to 15 May 2015, Centre for Food Safety has checked the nutrition labels of 35,821 prepackaged retail outlets. The overall compliance rate of the Scheme is 98.68%.
The Government will also release the consultation result on the new agricultural policy. Deputations are invited to join the discussion. Ended on 31 March 2015, the Government has received more than 1,100 written submissions and claims that “In overall terms, there has been wide support from the public for the new agricultural policy including its general directions, as well as the various supportive measures that we have put forward for discussion. Many consider that the sustainable development of agriculture would contribute to meeting consumers’ aspiration and demand for good quality food with high safety standard as well as preserving the rural environment, amongst other benefits.”
Wong Kam-sing to visit Beijing
Secretary for the Environment Mr Wong Kam-sing will attend the 14th China International Environmental Protection Exhibition and Conference (CIEPEC) today.
He will also meet with the exhibitors of the Hong Kong Pavilion and the representatives of the Ministry of Land and Resources. On Wednesday, Mr Wong will meet representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Environmental Protection to exchange views on environmental issues and relevant policy formulation.
June 10 Wednesday
Government to hire engineer to supervise MTR’s express rail link project
Establishment Subcommittee will discuss two hiring proposals from the Government:
- Proposal to hire a Chief Engineer in the Railway Development Office of Highways Department to continue monitoring the completion of the Hong Kong section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link project of the MTR.
- Proposal to hire three AOs in the Environmental Protection Department for three years to lead a new Waste Management (Special Duties) Division.
Tony Tse calls for building safety
At the Council meeting, Tony Tse (FC- Architectural, Surveying and Planning) will move a motion to urge the Goverment to step up regulation on the repair and maintenance works of private buildings. Harbour Times has previously reported that there was a big budget cut in the Development Bureau for building safety this year. Read here.
June 12 Friday
Finance Committee to approve $3 billion proposals
The Government jumped the queue earlier and forced two funding proposals concerning the Liangtang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point associated works to the Finance Committee. Both proposals, amount to $17.5 billion combined, were voted down in PWSC before but were approved last Friday.
Today, members will discuss some less controversial construction proposals:
- $1,549.9 million to relocate the offices-cum-vehicle depot of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department at Sai Yee Street to Yen Ming Road in the West Kowloon Reclamation Area.
- To increase the project estimate of the sludge treatment facilities by $209.9 million from $5,154.4 million to $5,364.3 million. The facilities will locate beside the New Territories West landfill in Tuen Mun.
- $1,050 million to build some roads and drains in Tuen Mun.
- $87.7 million to upgrade a water supply in Tuen Mun.
- $137.1 million to upgrade the Shatin transfer station.
