Hong Kong transport authorities cut estimated cost of controversial T4 road by 5% to HK$6.81 billion after questions raised over price tag
Hong Kong authorities have slashed the estimated cost of a controversial trunk road project by nearly 5 per cent to HK$6.81 billion after lawmakers raised concerns over a significant rise in the price tag.
The Transport and Logistics Bureau on Friday submitted a revised funding request concerning Trunk Road T4, designed to connect Ma On Shan to the Tsing Sha Highway and Shing Mun Tunnel Road, to the legislature’s Finance Committee.
It abruptly withdrew its original request for HK$7.16 billion more than a month ago.
Hong Kong authorities withdraw funding proposal for trunk road at last moment
Hong Kong authorities withdraw funding proposal for trunk road at last moment
“After considering lawmakers’ views, the Civil Engineering and Development Department has revised the proposed scope of works, estimated construction cost and cash flow on the premise that it will not affect the functionality of this project,” the paper issued by the bureau said.
“[The funding request] has been revised from HK$7.16 billion to HK$6.81 billion in a bid to address lawmakers’ concerns about its construction costs.”
Hong Kong officials warn of HK$5 billion in extra costs if trunk road delayed
Hong Kong officials warn of HK$5 billion in extra costs if trunk road delayed
The planned T4 road will directly connect Sha Tin with Ma On Shan, Tsuen Wan and Kowloon East to relieve congestion in Sha Tin district.
But lawmakers had previously raised questions over the significant spike in costs, more than six times the original HK$1.1 billion estimate in 2006, the project’s initial start year.
More to follow ….
