LegCo Panel on Planning, Lands and Works
Meeting on 10 December 1998
Response to questions raised regarding agenda item no. VII "Sewerage works in the North District"

Question 1	:	The base year for the population estimation
Answer	:	In our current design, we have used the population projection carried out in year 1997 based on the most up-to-date Outline Zoning Plans and development programmes available at that time.
Question 2	:	The written query of Hon Andrew CHENG Kar-foo on land resumption (copy attached)
Answer	:	According to our plan, no private house lots will be affected by the works of the North District sewerage works, only agricultural lots will be affected. According to the information from the District Lands Offices, the number of private agricultural lots affected will be about 1600. The ex-gratia compensation rate will be dependent on the zones involved and are currently as follows- Zone A @ $331.20 per square feet Zone B @ $207.00 per square feet Zone C @ $138.00 per square feet Zone D @ $82.80 per square feet Should the land be reverted to Government on or after 1 April 1999, new rates, yet to be calculated, will apply. Ex-gratia allowances will be paid to cultivators for the loss of crops, fruit trees, fences, gates and so on, if affected.