The Kick-off Ceremony for the Reconstruction of the Sharp Island Pier under the Signature Project Scheme (SPS) of the Sai Kung District organised by the Sai Kung District Council (SKDC) and the Sai Kung District Office was held today (March 30), marking the commencement of the SPS Project. 

     To enhance district administration, the Chief Executive announced in the 2013 Policy Address the implementation of the Signature Project Scheme (SPS) to support one or two SPS projects of a larger scale raised by the District Councils to address the needs of the districts. After public consultation and discussion, the SKDC endorsed two projects, one of which is the reconstruction of Sharp Island Pier. 

     The reconstruction will allow the pier to accommodate larger vessels for the convenience of tourists by extending the length and depth of the berth, solving the berthing problems encountered by these vessels with the existing pier. The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) is the works agent of the project and will be responsible for the repair and maintenance of the new pier. The project is expected to complete in the latter half of 2018. During the construction period, the CEDD will provide temporary berthing facilities nearby.

     Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Betty Fung, said that the SPS of Sai Kung District makes good use of resources to implement projects that address local needs, benefiting the economy of Sai Kung District. She thanked the SKDC, local personalities and various government departments for their support. She expressed the hope that the new pier will add to the vibrancy of Sai Kung, provide more convenience to tourists and contribute to the development of tourism in Hong Kong.

     Other officiating guests of the ceremony included the Chairman of the SKDC, Mr Ng Sze-fuk; the Head of the Civil Engineering Office of the CEDD, Mr Ricky Lau; the District Officer (Sai Kung), Ms Maureen Siu; and the Chairman of the Signature Project Scheme Committee under the SKDC, Mr Francis Chau. 

Ends/Thursday, March 30, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:10

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