MTR greening plans for South Island Line will benefit residents
I refer to the letter by John Dainton ("MTR greening promises must be honoured", November 21) regarding South Island Line (East) construction works in Wong Chuk Hang.
We thank Mr Dainton and the local community for their patience and understanding during the construction works. Since the preliminary design stage of the line, the MTR Corporation has worked closely with the community to obtain its views on the railway and keep people updated about the construction progress.
While the structural works of the viaduct, Ocean Park station, Wong Chuk Hang station, and Wong Chuk Hang depot have been completed, the associated public works are still being carried out. These include the construction of a public transport facility under Wong Chuk Hang station, improvement of the existing road network around Wong Chuk Hang and Ocean Park stations, and construction of a footbridge connecting Wong Chuk Hang station and the nearby industrial area. These public works should be completed in 2015 and will further improve traffic in the Wong Chuk Hang area.
The MTR Corp cares deeply about the environment. Before starting the construction works, we prepared a plan to systematically manage all trees affected by the project.
Trees with high ecological value will be retained or transplanted as far as practicable. The felling of any trees that were unstable or overlapped with the railway construction has been carefully managed, with compensatory planting to complement existing landscaping. As for the habitat of snowy egrets, although only a very small portion of the night roost area was cleared, compensatory planting has been proposed at the lower course of the Staunton Creek Nullah.
The design of the line includes greening elements. Greening will be incorporated at Wong Chuk Hang and Ocean Park stations, and Wong Chuk Hang depot. Wong Chuk Hang station will feature beautiful green landscaping above the Staunton Creek Nullah, creating additional open space for the community. Beautification works will be conducted along Heung Yip Road to Ocean Park Road. The works, which should be completed in 2015, will introduce paved walkways and a greener, more natural ambience, creating a promenade along the existing nullah where residents can enjoy walks or other leisure activities.