MAINLAND labourers have begun work on the controversial bridge linking Zhuhai and Tuen Mun . . . even though the project has yet to be discussed by the new Sino-British committee on cross-border infrastructure projects or approved by Beijing's State Council.
When the Sunday Morning Post visited the mainland site at Tengjia Bay, 30 kilometres from Zhuhai, last week, 700 workers were already involved in its construction.
Although the first stage is only being built as far as another island in mainland waters, Zhuhai mayor Liang Guangda yesterday reiterated its ultimate destination was the territory.
'The Lingdingyang bridge, linking Zhuhai with Hong Kong, is on the city's construction agenda,' he said, according to a Xinhua (the New China News Agency) report.
The construction workers also know the bridge is heading for the territory. 'We are all Chinese, our hearts can be linked together by the bridge after 1997,' said electrician Chen Chiquan, 37. 'I am sure the bridge can be built by 1997.' Two 20-metre high gantries have already been set up along the waterfront of the former fishing area, opposite Qiao Island. The first stage is due to be completed within the next two months.
Although work has yet to reach its peak, hundreds of trucks and lorries are already moving about the area. When it does, over the next few months, over 1,000 workers will be on site.
