1 Minor works open up seaview for Kwun Tong residents
Hong Kong Government, 01 April 2009

The project for the first section of the Kwun Tong Waterfront Promenade aims to provide more open space for the public after demolition of a 200-metre-long wall and beautification of its adjacent land.

 

Everyday road users of Hoi Bun Road and passers-by in Kwun Tong may not be aware of the beautiful scenery nearby as a two-metre-high, 200-metre-long wall has been blocking the seaview. 

Thanks to the District Councils' District Minor Works (DMW) programme, local residents will soon have an unrestricted, panoramic view of Victoria Harbour after the completion of works to demolish the wall and to beautify the adjacent area, as well as a government plan to develop the first section of Kwun Tong waterfront promenade.

The DMW programme aims to improve the facilities, living environment and hygiene conditions in districts.

The Acting Director of Home Affairs, Miss Adeline Wong, said, "A total of $300 million has been allocated for 18 District Councils to implement DMW projects in 2008-09. Since the launch of the programme, the councils have been very supportive.

"This waterfront minor works project is an example of the concerted efforts of various government departments to plan and implement the project within a short period of time. The project - from discussion, design and vetting to tendering - was launched within three months.

"After the dismantling of the wall and the levelling of adjacent government land, open space along the waterfront will be increased. People will be able to enjoy a more comfortable environment and an impeccable view of Victoria Harbour," she added.

Kwun Tong District Council Chairman, Mr Chan Chung-bun; Kwun Tong District Officer, Miss Pauline Wong; Kwun Tong District Council Vice-chairlady, Ms So Lai-chun; Kwun Tong District Council's Finance and Administration Committee Chairlady, Ms Leung Fu-wing ; Kwun Tong District Council's District Facilities Management Committee Chairman, Mr Poon Chung-yuen; District Facilities Management Committee Vice-chairman, Mr Henry Lim; Kwun Tong District Council's District Works Task Force Chairman, Mr Fung Kam-chiu; District Works Task Force Vice-chairman, Mr Patrick Lai Shu-ho; and Kwun Tong District Council Member, Mr Nelson Chan Wah-yu, officiated at a ceremony to launch the works project today (March 31).

Works will involve dismantling the wall and beautifying the adjacent vacant government land to develop it into open space. The project, costing $3 million, is expected to finish by the end of this year.

The project coincides with the development plan for the first section of the Kwun Tong Waterfront Promenade, as part of the scheme for the "Development and Beautification of Kwun Tong Waterfront Promenade" being carried out by the Civil Engineering and Development Department. It also ties in with the policy to make good use of vacant government land.

The wall dismantling works were first proposed last November. To speed up the project, the District Council convened a special meeting to approve funding last December.  The council approved funds again in January to bring forward the beautification of the nearby vacant land.

 

2 Panel smells trouble for Kai Tak nullah plan
Nickkita Lau, The Standard 1 April 2009

The stench of the infamous Kai Tak nullah could blight a cruise terminal planned for the site, lawmakers fear - despite claims by government engineers that they can clean it up.

Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Wing-tat fears the lingering odor will drive tourists away.

He outlined his worries as the Legislative Council's panel on development began discussions on giving the green light to HK$1.185 billion in funding for four public works programs to transform the old airport site.

One of the programs is made up of site investigations and design of the environmental improvement works in the Kai Tak Approach Channel and Kwun Tong typhoon shelter.

It also includes bioremediation treatment, or the clean-up of contaminated sediment, and the creation of a 600-meter-wide opening on the former runway.

The majority of lawmakers said they have reservations about the government's claim because odor problems in Yau Ma Tei typhoon shelter, Belcher Bay in Sai Wan and Sha Tin's Shing Mun River are still bothering residents after years of work.

Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong's Chan Kam-lam said the party supports the projects in principle.

But the Kowloon City District Council and residents of To Kwa Wan are worried that once a 600-meter opening is created on the northern runway, the sediment will flush to To Kwa Wan causing a stench.

The Civil Engineering and Development Department said tests on a sample obtained from the Kai Tak Approach Channel and a computer simulation showed satisfactory results.

The department will not create the opening unless repeated tests prove the To Kwa Wan neighborhood will not be polluted.

Secretary for Development Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said the government will continue to listen to public opinion.