HONG KONG: The third stage of reconstruction support work in earthquake-ravaged Sichuan has been kick-started with the signing of a letter of intent by the province and the Hong Kong SAR.

Hong Kong will provide an additional HK$2.859 billion for 32 projects, including the construction of infrastructure and medical service centers.

Together with the HK$6 billion Hong Kong gave during the previous two phases, the government has committed almost HK$9 billion. Hong Kong pledged to donate HK$10 billion for 152 reconstruction projects including Wolong National Natural Reserve.

"In addition to HK$1 billion from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the overall objective of the HKSAR's reconstruction support work has been met," the government said.

The "Letter of Intent on the HKSAR's Third Stage Work in Support of Restoration and Reconstruction in Sichuan" was signed by Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam and the Director of the Sichuan Development and Reform Commission Liu Jie.

Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang Ying-yen and the Executive Vice-Governor of Sichuan Wei Hong were the witnesses.

Among the 32 projects in the third stage, the Mia Mao Highway is the most high profile. The construction costs will amount to HK$2.3 billion. The two governments exchanged signed copies of the project co-operation arrangement yesterday.

The highway will link directly the devastated areas of Deyang city and Aba prefecture. About 190,000 residents including mine workers are expected to use the highway. The two regions are adjacent but passage is obstructed by intervening mountains.

The passage between the two locales, destroyed by the earthquake, will also be reconstructed.

"The reconstruction will drive the economic development of the regions," Tang said.

To enhance medical and rehabilitation services for quake victims, five hospitals will be built in Ya On city and Mianyang city, with one remote medical network platform.

Twenty-five rehabilitation service centers for the disabled will be built. Together with the 14 rehabilitation facilities previously set up during the first and second stages, the centers will form a network covering all 39 severely damaged areas of Sichuan

"The projects are in urgent need and must be commenced as soon as possible," Tang said.

Tang said the next stage will be to push forward the projects and closely monitor the quality of work. The two leaders discussed ways to expedite the projects and promote bilateral economic co-operation.

Tang had conducted site visits in Wenchuan and Deyang on Sunday to get an overview of progress on the projects.

He made a proposal to the Sichuan government that there be another visit by SAR lawmakers. No date for the expected visit has been confirmed. The legislators visited Sichuan last summer.

(HK Edition 07/07/2009 page1)