An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said today (February 19) that the EPD has signed the first funding agreement under the Restored Landfill Revitalisation Funding Scheme with the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) to provide funding support for the TWGHs to carry out pre-construction activities for revitalising the Tseung Kwan O Stage I Landfill.

     The spokesman explained that the scheme aims to provide funding for eligible non-profit-making organisations (NPOs) or national sports associations (NSAs) to develop recreational facilities or other suitable and innovative beneficial uses at restored landfills. The TWGHs proposes to revitalise the Tseung Kwan O Stage I Landfill into a camp site-cum-green education ground, with major facilities including camping grounds, green exhibition and activity facilities, a plant-maze adventure zone and an outdoor recreational platform. Subsequent to the TWGHs' completion of a technical feasibility study for the project in 2018, the EPD signed the funding agreement with the TWGHs on February 18, 2019, to provide funding for the pre-construction activities for the project, including site investigation, detailed design and tender documentation. On completion of the pre-construction activities, the EPD will follow the established procedures to seek funding approval for the capital works of the project from the Legislative Council.

     Regarding the revitalisation project at the Ma Yau Tong Central Landfill proposed by the Christian Family Service Centre (CFSC), the CFSC completed the detailed proposal and found that the estimated capital costs of the project had exceeded the costs estimated during the application stage as well as the ceiling of the $100 million capital grant under the scheme. The CFSC has decided not to pursue the project further and has formally informed the Steering Committee on Restored Landfill Revitalisation Funding Scheme of its decision.

     The EPD will review the operational and implementation experience of Batch 1 of the scheme, which covers the requirements of basic infrastructure/public utilities and possible beneficial uses at individual restored landfills, the roles of the Government and NPOs/NSAs in constructing and managing the facilities, and application and assessment procedures, with a view to introducing enhanced measures for Batch 2 of the scheme and assisting future applicants in proposing diverse modes of collaboration or operation. The review is expected to be completed in 2019 and Batch 2 of the scheme will be launched as soon as possible. In the meantime, the EPD will also explore feasible interim uses at restored landfills to better utilise land resources.

     To expedite the development of suitable facilities at restored landfills, the Government has earmarked $1 billion under the Capital Works Reserve Fund to set up the Restored Landfill Revitalisation Funding Scheme for application by NPOs or NSAs. To take the scheme forward, the Government established the Steering Committee to advise the Government on the operational arrangements of the scheme and to assist in assessing the funding applications and monitoring the progress of approved projects. After detailed consideration of all applications for Batch 1 of the scheme in accordance with the established assessment procedures and criteria, the Steering Committee selected two NPOs, namely the TWGHs and the CFSC, to develop detailed proposals to revitalise the Tseung Kwan O Stage I Landfill in Sai Kung and the Ma Yau Tong Central Landfill in Kwun Tong respectively in 2017.

Ends/Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Issued at HKT 17:00

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