Capital works expenditure rose substantially from $20.5 billion in 2007-08 to the revised estimate of $49.6 billion in 2010-11, Financial Secretary John Tsang says, expecting the figure for 2011-12 will reach a record high of over $58 billion.
Mr Tsang today told lawmakers the 10 major infrastructure projects are being rolled out in phases as scheduled. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Kai Tak Development Plan Stage 1 have commenced construction. The Shatin to Central Link project was gazetted in November 2010.
“We are pressing ahead with its planning, design and consultation, and construction is expected to start in 2012. The construction works of the South Island Line (East) are scheduled to commence in 2011.”
Other major projects expected to start in 2011-12 include:
* public infrastructure works for the Kwun Tong Line Extension;
* detailed design and ground investigation works for the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point;
* the replacement and rehabilitation of water mains across the territory, and sewerage improvement works in Central and East Kowloon and the rural areas of the New Territories;
* Yan Chai Hospital's redevelopment; and
* building a district open space, sports centre and library in Tseung Kwan O, Area 74.
“With the 10 major infrastructure projects and other projects entering their construction peaks, I estimate that the capital works expenditure for each of the next few years will exceed $60 billion.”
The employment situation in the construction industry has improved significantly, with the unemployment rate dropping from a peak of 12.8% to 4.5%.
To boost enrolment, the Construction Association Limited announced last month that it would raise the monthly salary of trainees graduating from courses on selected trades to $10,000, and to $15,000 after six months’ employment.
The Development Bureau, in collaboration with the Construction Industry Council and industry stakeholders, will set up a designated website and a construction industry resource centre to reach out to young people.
