Replies to Questions from Finance Committee Members

Gototop
/……..
The reduction of $3.7 million in the 2002-03 Revised Estimate as compared with
the 2002-03 Approved Estimate is mainly due to the following two items:-
(a) Item 332 – The scope of the consultancy was reduced and confined primarily
to the preparation of the preventive maintenance methodology and the
framework of a computer based Structure Inventory System (SIS). In-house
staff was deployed instead for the development and commissioning of the SIS.
(b) Item 333 – The practice of refunding sewage charges by way of ex-gratia
payment was stopped with effect from 17 January 2002 after obtaining legal
advice on interpretation of the Sewage Services Ordinance. Refund if
required shall be effected out of the revenue generated from sewage charge.
The increase of $3 million in 2003-04 Estimate as compared with the 2002-03
Revised Estimate is mainly due to the addition of a new item 343 – Full-scale
stress tests for Sai Kung Sewage Treatment Plant. Some modifications are being
proposed to increase the treatment capacity of the Plant. The proposed tests are
to generate sufficient reliable data for determining the maximum treatment
capacity after the proposed modifications have been carried out.
Signature
Name in block letters R.T.K. CHEUNG
Post Title Director of Drainage Services
Date 19 March 2003