Hung Shui Kiu Station project approved; construction begins this year, expected completion by 2030.

Executive Council approves financial arrangements for Hung Shui Kiu Station project

The Chief Executive in Council approved on September 17 the financial arrangements for the Hung Shui Kiu Station (HSK Station) project. Subsequently, the Transport and Logistics Bureau has signed with the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) the project agreement for the HSK Station, construction of which is expected to commence this year for completion in 2030. The Government has been working closely with the MTRCL in taking forward the planning and design of the HSK Station, and will continue to support and co-ordinate the construction and commissioning of the project.

A Government spokesman said, "The HSK Station project is implemented under an ownership approach. The MTRCL will be responsible for the financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the project. The Government, supported by an independent checking consultant, has checked and verified the project financial estimates provided by the MTRCL. The capital cost estimate for the HSK Station project is about $6.639 billion (in September 2024 prices). The Government will provide funding support to the MTRCL in order to implement the project."

The Executive Council approved granting the MTRCL the property development rights of Planning Areas 28A and 28B of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (HSK/HT NDA) with an area of about 8.2 hectares, for residential and commercial development uses, and deducting a total fixed lump sum of $9.850 billion in money-of-the-day prices from the full market value land premium of the sites assessed on a "with-railway" basis in the future as funding support to the MTRCL to implement the project.

"The Government has been advocating 'infrastructure-led' and 'capacity-creating' planning principles in taking forward transport infrastructure projects. The HSK Station will be an intermediate station on the Tuen Ma Line between the Tin Shui Wai Station and the Siu Hong Station. It primarily serves the future HSK/HT NDA in the western part of the Northern Metropolis, offering an alternative transport choice to residents in the vicinity. Currently, the journey between the HSK/HT NDA and the Tin Shui Wai Station or the Siu Hong Station by road transport takes about 20 to 25 minutes during peak hours. Upon the commissioning of the HSK Station, it is expected that the same journey by rail will only take about four minutes, thereby bringing significant transport benefits for the total population of the HSK/HT NDA of around 226 000 upon full population intake. The Government will continue to foster a collaborative culture with the MTRCL through enhanced project communication and supervision platforms for more effective project delivery to enable residents to enjoy the benefit as soon as possible," the spokesman added.

HA commences seasonal influenza vaccination programme

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Public hospitals and outpatient clinics of the Hospital Authority (HA) will start providing seasonal influenza vaccinations to eligible persons starting from next Thursday (September 26) to dovetail with the Government Vaccination Programme 2024/25.

Under the Government Vaccination Programme 2024/25, the HA will mainly provide seasonal influenza vaccinations to eligible patients with regular attendance to public hospitals and outpatient clinics, including:

chronic disease patients with regular appointments aged 2 to under 18 and 50 or above;

expectant mothers undergoing an antenatal checkup; and

identified persons with an intellectual disability, or disabled and chronic disease patients receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance aged between 18 to 49.

The list of public hospitals and outpatient clinics providing vaccinations is set out in the Annex.

Eligible patients may receive vaccinations at the time of their scheduled follow-up appointments at clinics. Patients with a distant follow-up appointment date may visit or contact the respective clinics for necessary arrangements.

The Chief Infection Control Officer of the HA, Dr Raymond Lai, appealed to members of the public to receive vaccinations early. "High-risk individuals such as chronic disease patients, the elderly and children, and even healthy people, may develop severe complications after an influenza infection, leading to serious illness or death. As Hong Kong is about to enter winter, the risk of influenza transmission increases. Vaccinations can enhance immunity against influenza and greatly reduce the risk of serious illness or death from infection. Protection will develop in about two to four weeks after inoculation and last for at least six months, which would protect members of the public during the winter influenza season."

According to the recommendations from the Centre for Health Protection, COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time with other vaccines, including seasonal influenza vaccines. General Outpatient Clinics (GOPCs) will provide both COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations for eligible patients while medical staff will offer advice based on their vaccination history.

In addition, poultry workers, pig farmers and people who are involved in the pig-slaughtering industry, as referred by relevant government departments, can also receive seasonal influenza vaccination in selected GOPCs starting from October 17 (Thursday).

Members of the public can enquire about the details of this year's seasonal influenza vaccination programme at the respective specialist outpatient clinics or GOPCs they are attending, or make enquiries on the HA hotline 2300 6555 during office hours.