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More help on way for quake-hit Sichuan

By Louise Ho (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-01-23 08:07

HONG KONG -- The Hong Kong government Thursday said it will seek an additional HK$4 billion (US$515 million) from the Legislative Council to help reconstruct quake-stricken areas in Sichuan province.

The council had approved HK$2 billion in July to help rebuild parts of the province.

If the council gives its nod for the additional amount, a total of HK$6 billion will be put into the Trust Fund in Support of Reconstruction in the Sichuan Earthquake Stricken Areas for Hong Kong's second stage of reconstruction work.

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The application for the funds will be submitted to the Legislative Council next month, Secretary for Development Carrie Lam said.

The Hong Kong government will undertake 103 reconstruction projects in the second stage, she said.

They include rebuilding 80 schools and hospitals, and 23 other sites in the Wolong Natural Reserve.

"We have studied the situation after numerous on-site visits and found that all 103 projects are necessary for Sichuan," Carrie said, adding that the government was committed to the reconstruction work in the province.

She said the Hong Kong government will "encourage local enterprises" to sponsor some of the projects.

The government will continue to maintain close contact with relevant Sichuan authorities to discuss the details and costs of the project, she added.

Stephen Lam, secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs said although Hong Kong is facing financial difficulties due to the global economic slowdown, the government still had "ample reserves".

The Legislative Council "will support the funding" to help with the pressing reconstruction, he said.

The Hong Kong government has been helping Sichuan with the reconstruction projects since October, when the two sides signed a cooperation arrangement.

In the first stage of reconstruction, the Hong Kong government helped rebuild 20 schools, medical facilities, social service centers and a highway.

It has already approved 12 applications in areas such as education, rehabilitation and training services.