LegCo Panel on Transport
Government Monitoring Team for the Tsing Ma Control Area
Purpose
This paper sets out the justifications for the proposed establishment of the Government Monitoring Team (GMT) for the Tsing Ma Control Area (TMCA).
Background
2. At the LegCo Bills Committee of the Tsing Ma Control Area (TMCA) Bill on 9 December 1996, Members agreed that the proposed establishment of the GMT for the TMCA be referred to the Transport Panel for further examination.
3. Members may recall that a paper on the issue was submitted to the Transport Panel on 13 November 1996 for information. We provided further information on the same subject to Members of the Bills Committee examining the TMCA Bill on 9 December 1996.
Proposed Establishment of GMT
4. We originally informed Members that the GMT would comprise 72 representatives from the Transport Department, Highways Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, and Architectural Services Department. On further examination, it has come to light that six posts proposed to be created in the Architectural Services Department are no longer needed because the additional work arising from vetting and monitoring of the operators proposals for maintenance works can be absorbed by the existing staffing resources of the Department. Details of the remaining 66 posts are at the Annex.
Special Features of the TMCA
5. The TMCA is an integrated expressway system made up of four bridges (Tsing Ma Bridge, Kap Shui Mun Bridge, Ting Kau Bridge and Rambler Channel Bridge), two viaducts (Ma Wan Viaduct and Kwai Chung Viaduct), a tunnel (Cheung Ching Tunnel), and an expressway. Moreover, the TMCA will be the only road link to North Lantau and the new Airport. It is therefore vital for us to provide the Team with sufficient staffing resources to closely monitor the performance of the operator to ensure that safe and uninterrupted access to the new Airport is maintained at all times.
Additional Justifications for the Proposed Size of the GMT
6. We have reviewed the staffing level of the GMT with departments concerned and confirm that it is the minimum required. The justifications of the requirements are set out below.
Transport Department
7. Due to the multi-disciplinary nature and complexity of the TMCA project, expertise and inputs are required from various divisions of the Department, each overseeing different aspects of the contract. Besides, we have no previous experience in managing and operating an expressway and bridge system as important and complexed as the TMCA. We will have to work closely with the operator to develop the most efficient operating procedures and practices. Added to the complexity are the interfaces with the Airport Railway operating on the lower deck of the Lantau Link and with Route 3 (Country Park Section) at the northern end of Ting Kau Bridge which require close co-ordination to ensure smooth co-operation among parties involved.
8. The major duties of the GMT (Transport) are summarised as follows:
Before TMCA Opening
- Preparatory work -
Familiarising with the TMCA systems, vehicles, etc, and the terms and conditions of the Management, Operation, and Maintenance Contract.
Participating in all system commissioning tests and the taking over of buildings, vehicles and system, etc, and the subsequent handing over of them to the operator; ensuring that all TMCA facilities and operating systems function satisfactorily.
Devising procedures for monitoring the operator and accounting/auditing procedures.
- Monitoring the phase-in arrangements of the operator during the gearing-up period to ensure that they are ready and well-prepared for the opening of the TMCA. This would involve-
staff recruitment and procurement of service vehicles.
Arranging training programmes on the operation of systems and special vehicles for the operators staff.
Approving operating and maintenance procedures, insurance policies, performance pledges, etc proposed by the operator.
Overseeing the development of interface arrangements with the MTRC and the Route 3 (Country Park Section) operator.
After TMCA Opening
- Monitoring the performance of the operator to ensure that the standard of performance meets contract requirements in relation to, for example, compliance with manning and expertise levels, specified operating standards, approved operating and maintenance procedures, and TMCA legislation.
- Auditing the revenue collected by the operator to safeguard Government revenue. Examine records and financial statements submitted by the operator.
- Administering contract duties including liaison with and provision of guidance to the operator, resolving contractual disputes, and considering the need to impose financial penalties on the operator for breach of contract or poor performance.
- Ensuring smooth co-operation between the TMCA operator and operators of adjoining infrastructure such as MTRC and the Route 3 (Country Park Section) operator.
- Monitoring traffic conditions and overseeing actions taken by the operator during emergencies in the TMCA.
- Manning a 24-hour Monitoring Team Centre at Transport Department Headquarters which serve as a first contact point for incidents and emergencies in the TMCA.
Highways Department
9. The three long span cable-supported bridges (i.e. Tsing Ma Bridge, Kap Shui Mun Bridge, and Ting Kau Bridge) are new types of structure first introduced to Hong Kong. They contain far more components than ordinary road bridges commonly constructed in Hong Kong and their structural behaviour is much more complicated. We need to put much more effort in monitoring the maintenance of these bridges. In addition to roads and structures, we also need to monitor the extensive roadside slope and drainage within the TMCA. Moreover, the sewage treatment plant and the electrical and mechanical systems also require various degree of inputs from the staff of GMT (Highways).
10. Members may wish to note that we intend to approach the Establishment Sub-committee regarding the proposed creation of a Chief Engineer post (D1) in February 1997.
Electrical and Mechanical Services Department
11. Sophisticated electrical and mechanical systems will be installed in the Area, some of which are of the latest technology or even the first of its kind to be installed in the Region. They require specialised experience and expertise of professional and technical staff at more senior level to effectively discharge the duties. Besides, the much higher rate of wear and tear in vehicles, electrical, mechanical, electronics, and building services equipment and systems compared with civil structures require much greater monitoring inputs per unit installation cost of such equipment.
12. The Department also has to coordinate with various Government departments, public utilities, related contractors and the MTRC to ensure smooth operation of the TMCA.
8 January 1997
Transport Branch
Annex
Government Monitoring Team by ranks and distribution
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Transport Department
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Highways Department
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Rank
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No.
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Rank
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No.
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Chief Transport Officer
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1
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Chief Engineer
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1
|
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Senior Engineer
|
1
|
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Senior Engineer
|
3
|
|
Senior Transport Officer
|
2
|
|
Engineer
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7
|
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Engineer
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3
|
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Inspector of Works
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3
|
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Transport Officer I
|
1
|
|
Assistant Inspector of Works
|
1
|
|
Accounting Officer I
|
1
|
|
Senior Technical Officer
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1
|
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Transport Officer II
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2
|
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Technical Officer
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2
|
|
Transport Controller I
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3
|
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Senior Clerical Officer
|
1
|
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Transport Controller II
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7
|
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Clerical Officer I
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1
|
|
Senior Technical Officer
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2
|
|
Clerical Officer II
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2
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Technical Officer
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2
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Clerical Assistant
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1
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Senior Transport Inspector
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1
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Personal Secretary
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1
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Clerical Officer II
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2
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Typist
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2
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Typist
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1
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|
|
|
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29
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26
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Electrical and Mechanical
Services Department
|
|
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Rank
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No.
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|
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Senior Engineer
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2
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Senior Inspector of Works
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2
|
|
|
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Inspector of Works
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2
|
|
|
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Assistant Inspector of Works
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5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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11
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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Total No. of new posts: 66
==
Last Updated on {{PUBLISH AUTO[[DATE("d mmm, yyyy")]]}}
