As Hong Kong's busy streets become more and more congested, any improvements to the local transport network will be supported by the community. The MTR Corporation's rail network is deservedly the envy of many major cities, with efficient and clean trains taking passengers conveniently into the heart of many populated or commercial areas. When the Sha Tin-Central link is completed, the new line should help ease the heavy congestion through the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, which is currently the major transport link supporting passengers heading to Hung Hom to catch trains into the New Territories and beyond. Direct travel from Lo Wu to Admiralty will only take 50 minutes along the new line, benefiting visitors, local residents and the economy as a whole.
But on the same day that the MTR Corp revealed further details of its construction plan, which involves the demolition and reconstruction of the Harbour Road Sports Centre and Wan Chai Swimming Pool, the government also confirmed it would not be extending the Tseung Kwan O landfill into Clear Water Bay Country Park, and will have to seek alternative solutions to the city's looming crisis on waste. Municipal solid waste, at 9,000 tonnes per day, is the major source of waste being dumped in landfills, but construction waste at 3,200 tonnes a day also makes up a significant proportion. Both individuals as well as major construction companies must now take greater care with how waste is managed and hopefully recycled. The Sha Tin-Central line is expected to involve major construction works including a new cross-harbour tunnel. Another of its proposals, to demolish the sports complex and the swimming pool and reconstruct them nearby, could result in a massive waste of materials without proper management and recycling.
Fortunately, the MTR Corp has shown itself to be a responsible company regarding sustainable planning, with well-regarded environmental policies. The public will expect it to stay true to its principles so that the cost of the construction work will be minimal compared to the benefits that will be reaped when the line is open.