Last week I introduced Shui Hau in South Lantau.  This week, let us visit Tung Chung in North Lantau.  The works of the first phase of the Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) project commenced at the end of last year.  In planning for the development, we attach great importance to the balance with the ecological conservation.  Some time earlier, the Acting Secretary for Development, Mr LIU Chun-san, and the Political Assistant to Secretary for Development, Mr FUNG Ying-lun, Allen, went to inspect the Tung Chung Stream in Tung Chung West to learn more about the works to be carried out in Tung Chung under the project by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) in future.

Following the funding approval for Stage 1 of the TCNTE project in October last year, the reclamation works have already started since end December last year.  Funding application for Stage 2 of the project will primarily cover road and infrastructure construction in Tung Chung East and Tung Chung West, including service reservoirs, site formation, fresh water and sewerage facilities and rural development works, as well as the construction of the River Park in Tung Chung West.  We will seek funding approval from the Legislative Council in due course to take forward the project according to the implementation programme.  The entire TCNTE project is expected to be completed by 2030.

Revitalisation of the channelised stream section

The Tung Chung Stream boasts a unique geographical location with proximity to villages and public housing.  The upstream section is one of the few rivers which have not been channelised.  In light of its high ecological value, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has designated the Tung Chung Stream as one of the “Ecologically Important Streams”.  The CEDD proposed revitalising the channelised section of the Tung Chung Stream to restore its natural appearance and enhance the ecological connections among its various sections so as to offer a better environment to the public.

Accompanied by the Deputy Head of the Sustainable Lantau Office (Works) of the CEDD, Mr WONG Chi-sing, Janson, Chief Engineer, Mr WONG Kwok-fai, Alfred, and other colleagues, Mr LIU Chun-san and Mr Allen FUNG first inspected the channelised section of the Tung Chung Stream before proceeding to see the natural upstream section and learned about the design concept of the proposed River Park, which will be the first of its kind in Hong Kong.  From what they saw that day, a lot of green plants grow on both sides of the channelised stream section in summer.  If we replace the river bed with natural materials, grow aquatic plants and place some rocks to create natural habitats, this could help enhance the biodiversity of the area.

Designated Conservation Areas

We have designated various Conservation Areas to protect the ecology of the Tung Chung Stream.  As shown on the approved Tung Chung Valley Outline Zoning Plan, certain areas in the Tung Chung Valley are zoned for the construction of the River Park, Stormwater Attenuation and Treatment Ponds and Polder under “Other Specified Uses”.  An area of about 20-30 metres wide on both sides of the Tung Chung Stream is zoned as Conservation Area to serve as a buffer area.  Besides, the shore along the Tung Chung Bay is zoned as Coastal Protection Area.

Construction of River Park

Furthermore, under the planning of the River Park, the land of the riverbank about 3.3 hectares in area along part of the revitalised section of the strean (about 415m in length) and its natural waterway in the upper section (about 360m in length) shall be developed into a river park to promote “water-friendly” culture and activities.  It serves to improve the environment, and provide eco-education and recreation benefits for the public.  The design of the River Park will make good use of the existing natural habitats.  The initial planning is to improve the landscape and set up a visitor centre as well as other small-scale facilities, such as a bird hide, hiking trails and a butterfly garden, for the public to appreciate the river scenery while enjoying eco-education and recreation at the same time.

Sustainable Urban Drainage System

As for other public facilities, the Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) will be put in place in the Tung Chung Valley in future, which includes porous pavements, bioswales, as well as stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds.  The SUDS is new to Hong Kong.  When it rains, surface runoff in the area will be collected through the drainage system, purified and treated naturally before conveying into the Tung Chung Stream.  In this way, water resources and water quality will be controlled more effectively.  Besides, the stormwater attenuation and treatment ponds will be built in areas of lower ecological value as far as possible and green features will be added so as to reduce the impact on the surrounding natural habitats.

For two weeks in a row, I have shared with you how colleagues of various departments do their best to protect our ecological environment.  You can also see that the Government has all along been committed to striking a balance between development and ecological conservation.  I hope that works under the TCNTE project will be completed early so as to allow residents to enjoy the wide range of community facilities when they move in, and to inject new impetus into building a liveable city.