Hold that construction: Hong Kong officials to halt works in Wan Chai for Zhang Dejiang’s visit

Security cited as police to deploy 6,000 officers daily to protect state leader

Reading Time:2 minutes

Work on the Central-Wan Chai Bypass is to be halted for Zhang’s visit to the city next week. Photo: David Wong

Published: 12:00pm, 13 May 2016Updated: 4:54pm, 16 May 2016

Construction work in Wan Chai will be suspended for four days next week as part of security measures officials deem necessary for state leader Zhang Dejiang’s three-day visit to Hong Kong.

The Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Sha Tin to Central Link construction sites are located near the Convention and Exhibition Centre – where Zhang is to deliver a keynote speech at the Belt and Road Summit – and the Grand Hyatt, where he is booked to stay from May 17 to 19.

The Highways Department confirmed that construction work on the bypass from east of Lung Wo Road to west of new Wan Chai Ferry Pier, as well as work on the Sha Tin to Central Link north of Wan Chai from east of Lung Wo Road to the former Wan Chai North bus terminus, would be suspended from next Monday to Thursday as requested by police.

Secretary for Security Lai Tung-kwok said all operations planned by the police were carried out after being deemed necessary.

“The summit will be attended not only by a state leader, but also by visitors from all over the world,” Lai said. “The police must adopt all necessary measures to ensure participants’ safety and a smoothly run conference.”

The Grand Hyatt has advised guests of possible inconveniences during the visit next week. Image: Grand Hyatt