Chui Sai On convinced Light Rail will be operational in 2019

The Chief Executive (CE), Chui Sai On, departed yesterday to Beijing, where he is expected to attend the opening of the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) today.

Before departing, Chui spoke to reporters at the local airport, commenting on the consequences of last week’s ruling by the Court of Second Instance, which has revoked the contract granted to China Construction Engineering to build the superstructure project of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot. The CE reported the government is convinced that the Taipa section of the LRT will commence operation next year. Though Chui said he respects the court’s ruling, he added that the government intends to appeal.

The CE also commented upon the recent measures introduced to cool the real estate market and facility acquisitions by young local buyers. He said that there were no “market oscillations” during the process and pledged to meet the demand for new houses by speeding up approval processes and reclaiming unused land, among other measures.

During his visit to Beijing, from March 4 to 7, besides attending the NPC opening, Chui will also meet with officials of the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce, and the China Food and Drug Administration.

Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong is one of the other officials travelling with the CE on the visit. During Chui’s absence, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Sonia Chan, will be the Acting Chief Executive.