When Hong Kong’s Tsing Yi Bridge was built, prompting calls for more joint projects between government and private enterprises
- The project linking Tsing Yi with Pillar Island and the New Territories was paid for by a group of major local companies and the government
- Hong Kong Governor Murray MacLehose, who officially opened the bridge in 1974, said more such bridges would be built as the city expands
“A bridge will link six companies operating on Tsing Yi Island with the mainland by 1974,” reported the South China Morning Post on May 19, 1971.
“The companies – China Light and Power, Mobil Oil Hongkong, Esso Standard Oil (Hongkong), Gulf Hongkong Incorporated, Hongkong Cement Manufacturing and International Containers – have formed the Tsing Yi Bridge Co. which will contribute $18 million towards this major project.
“Government has already approved estimates amounting to $7.5 million for the construction of approach roads. The bridge will link the island of Tsing Yi with Pillar Island and the New Territories, will be 2,000 feet long, made up of five equal spans.
“At a press conference yesterday, the contract was signed by the Deputy Colonial Secretary, Mr M.D.A. Clinton, on behalf of Government, and the chairman of the bridge company, Mr Lawrence Kadoorie.
“Construction work on this first joint venture between Government and private enterprise will begin in September. It will comprise a two-lane road with a five-foot wide footpath. Box sections will be built underneath the bridge to accommodate power cables and two oil pipelines.
“The bridge is designed to withstand the effects of typhoon winds and waves and with a clearance of 60 feet will not affect ships using Rambler Channel.”
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On March 1, 1974, the Post reported that “opening the $21 million Tsing Yi Bridge yesterday, the Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, hinted that more bridges would be built to provide access to the Colony’s many islands. Sir Murray called for more joint Government-private enterprise projects for Hongkong’s future growth”.
“Yesterday’s ceremony was attended by top business and Government officials. Sir Murray said that to live, Hongkong must continue to grow.”
