HK considers more funding for rebuilding in Sichuan -- china.org.cn

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said Thursday it is seeking another injection of 4 billion HK dollars (about 516 million U.S. dollars) into the trust fund to support the reconstruction in the earthquake stricken areas in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam said the HKSAR government will support the region's second-stage reconstruction work in Sichuan with the 4 billion HK dollars, if approved, and the 2 billion HK dollars commitment earlier.

The second-stage relief efforts taken by HKSAR will cover 103 projects in different areas, including 80 education, medical and rehabilitation, and social welfare projects, and 23 relating to the Wolong Natural Reserve reconstruction.

Secretary for Development Carrie Lam said the major earthquake inflicted devastating damage to the Wolong area, the habitat of the giant pandas that needs urgent rebuilding works as soon as possible.

"Local conservation and construction experts will participate in monitoring the projects, while the Ocean Park of Hong Kong has been appointed by Hong Kong and Sichuan as a technical consultant, " she said.

The Wolong reconstruction will cost about 1.607 billion HK dollars (about 207 million U.S. dollars), involving rebuilding the conservation area's ecological environment and scientific research facilities, as well as infrastructure and public utilities to serve the local population.

The HKSAR government promised to proceed and monitor its resource capability and the reconstruction support work does not exceed 10 billion HK dollars (1.29 billion U.S. dollars) in financial terms.

Government officials will brief the Legislative Council Development Panel on the work progress on Feb. 3, before submitting a fund application to the LegCo Finance Committee by the end of next month.

The trust fund has so far approved 12 applications in the first phase for schemes in education, medical services, physical and psychological rehabilitation, and training.

(Xinhua News Agency January 22, 2009)