The bridge project linking Hong Kong and the west bank of the Pearl River Delta will be put under a thorough feasibility study, Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said Thursday during his visit to Guangdong Province.
Responding to media questions, Tung said that construction of the bridge is a good thing. However, given the extensive size and scope of the project, Hong Kong and Guangdong both consider it necessary to conduct a thorough feasibility study on various aspects including ecological matters and economic benefits.
"We have to study the far-reaching impact of the project in relation to ecology. We have to look at the financial aspect. Therefore, we must explore in detail the feasibility of the project before making a decision," Tung said.
After his visit to Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Tung said at the Lo Wu control point that the priority is to try to maintain a smooth flow at peak hours at Lo Wu, referring to the opening of the border for 24 hours a day.
"There has been a lot of improvement already, but we are going to do better. As far as 24-hour crossing is concerned, container trucks are already moving both ways 24 hours a day at Huanggang. I believe that when we make 24-hour crossing for people movement, it will probably start at Huanggang also," he added.
(Xinhua News Agency December 6, 2002)
