March 20, 2012

The Development Bureau has proposed conducting two studies on rock cavern development to enhance land supply.
 
The first is to study the feasibility of relocating Sha Tin Treatment Works to a cavern inside Nui Po Shan. The move would release 28 hectares of land for housing and other uses.
 
The study would examine the engineering feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the proposal, and would cost $58 million.
 
The second study would focus on a long-term strategy for cavern development and would cost $40 million. It would help the Government formulate a cavern master plan.
 
The bureau said 64% of Hong Kong land is suitable for developing caverns, which could house more than 400 government facilities.
 
It will apply for funds from Legislative Council in May to conduct the studies.