CONSTRUCTION of the Shenzhen River flood-control scheme will begin as early as June.
After yesterday's annual joint meeting on cross-border issues, Hong Kong's political adviser, Bob Peirce, said the plan would be implemented when an environmental impact assessment was finished in June.
Both governments were keen to begin construction, despite controversy over the planned course of the river, which is to be widened and deepened to control flooding.
Shenzhen is concerned that under the current plan it could lose part of its territory to Hong Kong.
Yesterday's meeting also saw an agreement to begin round-the-clock operations at the Lok Ma Chau checkpoint, probably before summer.
Guangdong People's Government Foreign Affairs Office Director Chao Zhenwei said: ''It is not impossible for 24-hour opening at Lo Ma Chau [to be implemented] in the first half of the year if both governments make a strenuous effort.'' Hong Kong trade groups have warned that with the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Superhighway due to open in a few weeks, congestion at the crossing will become chaotic unless the checkpoint opens on a 24-hour basis.
