For discussion FCR(95-96)72
on 17 November 1995

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 $11.21 million for the replacement of the mobile radio communication system in the Lion Rock Tunnel.



PROBLEM

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.

PROPOSAL

2. We propose to replace the system at an estimated cost of $11.21 million.

JUSTIFICATION

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.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

5. We estimate the capital cost of the project to be $11.21 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) Builder’s works

3.80

(f) Electrical and Mechanical Services
Department’s charges

1.75

(g) Contingencies (10% of (a) to (f))

0.86

Total

11.21

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 cross-departmental charges of EMSD in respect of project implementation services it provides to Transport Department. The cost of $1.75 million reflects the full staff cost of EMSD for the project as well as consultancy fees paid on behalf of Transport Department. It is made up as follows -

$ million

(a) Feasibility study

0.06

(b) Design and tender specification

0.26

(c) Tender preparation and assessment, and award of contract

0.13

(d) Checking of submission from contractor

0.13

(e) Installation, supervision and general liaison

0.26

(f) Supervision of acceptance tests and commissioning

0.20

(g) Reimbursement of consultant fees

0.45

(h) Supervision of contractor during the defect liability period and finalisation of outstanding contractual issues

0.26

Total

1.75

8. Subject to approval, we shall phase expenditure as follows -


$ million

1995-96

0.30

1996-97

10.91

Total

11.21

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.

Transport Branch
November 1995


Last Updated on 2 December 1998