Dig Deeper：Northern metropolis development
【明報專訊】With the initiative to better integrate the cities from the Greater Bay Area(大灣區 ) with Hong Kong, the government suggested developing the North District into a ''Northern Metropolis''(北部都會區). A large variety of directions is listed in the development strategy, like developing San Tin(新田) into ''Hong Kong's Silicon Valley''(香港「矽谷」), constructing a new rail link to the Mainland and expanding the Kwu Tung North New Development Area(古洞北新發展區).
◆How many people does the new Northern Metropolis aim at accommodating?
It will accommodate a population of about 2.5 million, with the total number of jobs increasing from 116,000 at present to about 650,000.
Some commentators estimate that this new area could relieve the traffic congestion issues in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island by creating job opportunities in the northern part of Hong Kong, while some critics worry that the new planning would create new traffic issues in the North District. The government will examine the possibility of the implementation of a rail link between Hung Shui Kiu(洪水橋) and Qianhai(前海), with Co-Location Arrangements (一地兩檢) in Qianhai.
■ Game
Name the districts!
Are you familiar with the geographical information of Hong Kong? There are 3 districts in Hong Kong, can you match the districts to the corresponding boxes?
(See the picture)
．A. Sha Tin District
．B. Wan Chai District
．C. Islands District
■ Gear up
(Answers on next text)
Sha Tin is included in the Northern Metropolis.
(True/False/Not given)
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
metropolis (n) 大都會
population (n) 人口
commentator(n) 評論者
opportunity (n) 機會
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view of rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第339期]
