For discussion FCR(95-96)99
on 5 January 1996
ITEM FOR FINANCE COMMITTEE
CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND
HEAD 708 - CAPITAL SUBVENTIONS AND MAJOR SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
Transport Department
New Subhead Replacement of mobile radio communication system in the Lion Rock Tunnel
Members are invited to approve a non-recurrent commitment of $10 million for the replacement of the mobile radio communication system in the Lion Rock Tunnel.
The mobile radio communication system (the system) in the Lion Rock Tunnel has reached the end of its useful life and is beyond economical repair.
2. We propose to replace the system at an estimated cost of $10 million.
3. Installed in 1978, the system performs two major functions - to ensure safe traffic direction and to facilitate emergency rescue work. It provides a two-way radio communication link between the tunnel control room and operational staff and patrol vehicles. It also provides a radio repeat function for the Police and Fire Services Department so that they can use their own radio equipment while carrying out operational duties inside the tunnel.
4. Because of ageing, the system breaks down frequently. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) has carried out a survey to determine its effectiveness. Its findings have indicated that the system is not working properly. Besides, spare parts are already out of production. EMSD therefore concludes that the system has reached the end of its useful life (the normal life span of such a system is about ten years) and is in urgent need of replacement.
5. We estimate the capital cost of the project to be $10 million, made up as follows -
|
$ million
|
|---|
|
(a) Radio equipment
|
1.20
|
|
(i) 2 base stations
|
0.20
|
|
|
(ii) coupling/combining equipment
|
0.50
|
|
|
(iii) control equipment
|
0.20
|
|
|
(iv) antennae and feeders
|
0.04
|
|
|
(v) accessories
|
0.10
|
|
|
(vi) system design and commissioning
|
0.16
|
|
|
(b) Cabling works
|
3.00
|
|
(i) underground cable
|
0.20
|
|
|
(ii) coaxial cable
|
2.40
|
|
|
(iii) installation and commissioning
|
0.40
|
|
|
(c) Replacement of existing patrol radio sets
|
0.30
|
|
(i) 20 handheld portable radio sets
|
0.20
|
|
|
(ii) 10 mobile radio sets
|
0.10
|
|
|
(d) Backup power system
|
0.30
|
|
(e) Builders works
|
3.80
|
|
(f) Consultant fees
|
0.45
|
|
(g) Contingencies (10% of (a) to (f))
|
0.90
|
|
Total
Say
|
9.95
10.00
|
6. As regards paragraph 5(e), the provision is to meet costs for dismantling the existing equipment and cables and for related civil works such as modification of tunnel lining and radio equipment room.
7. As regards paragraph 5(f), the provision is to meet consultancy fees for radio frequencies paid by EMSD on behalf of Transport Department.
8. Subject to approval, we shall phase expenditure as follows -
|
$ million
|
|---|
|
1995-96
|
0.3
|
|
1996-97
|
9.7
|
|
Total
|
10.0 |
9. Sufficient provision has been included in the 1995-96 Estimates for the capital cost of the project. There will be no additional recurrent expenditure as the operation and maintenance costs are met by the contractor operating and managing the tunnel.
10. We submitted this item to Members (vide FCR(95-96)72) on 17 November 1995. We withdrew the item pending clarification on charges imposed by EMSD. We subsequently briefed Legislative Councils Panel on Planning, Lands and Works on 19 December 1995 and clarified that the estimated project cost in FCR(95-96)72 should have excluded EMSD charges as they represented charges which EMSD is not currently charging under the inter-departmental charging arrangements. The charges had been included erroneously as if EMSD had operated as a trading fund. This is regretted. We have now rectified the error and shown the correct funding requirements in paragraph 5 above.
Transport Branch
December 1995
Last Updated on 2 December 1998
