It is always a pleasure to read Jake van der Kamp's 'Monitor' column.
His column on May 2 about the Government's plan to build its headquarters at the Tamar site was especially timely. There is no financial logic behind using this valuable site for government offices.
It would be better for all concerned if the Government built its office complex at Tung Chung. There is plenty of empty land and a beautiful purpose-built township could be constructed there. The cost of construction would be about the same but the administration would make substantial land-cost savings.
Other government departments, such as Immigration and Inland Revenue, could be moved there, thus freeing valuable space in Wan Chai and other districts. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority could be moved from Central.
Tung Chung is only about 30 minutes by MTR from Central. The MTR Corporation would gain, because its Tung Chung line is underutilised.
The Immigration and Inland Revenue departments could open what I would describe as 'shop-front stores' in every district so people could deal with immigration and tax queries near their homes. As government records are computerised, they can be accessed from anywhere in the SAR. Also the Government could encourage civil servants to buy homes in Tung Chung, so most of them would be close to their offices.
