The Government is to introduce reforms to simplify the management and fee system for regulating cargo handling activities on the landside of Public Cargo Working Areas (PCWA) which are managed by the Marine Department.
Arrangements for the reforms are spelt out in the Port Control (Cargo Working Areas)(Amendment) Regulation 1999.

A spokesman for the Marine Department said today (Wednesday) that the proposals would enhance the productivity of PCWAs.

Following extensive consultation and discussions with operators, it is proposed to rent out a small piece of land behind each berth in the PCWA for use as operation area by the operators.

Under the new proposals, each operator at the PCWA will be given the option of renting a small area behind his berth for carrying out permitted cargo handling related activities without the need to pay individual fees.

"An operation area permit will be issued and a monthly rent will be charged to replace the various fees the operators are required to pay at the moment," the spokesman said.

"It is estimated that a total of 96 600 square metres will be rented out under the proposal."

"With this new system, operators will be given more control and flexibility in carrying out their business and reduce the administrative work of the Marine Department," he added.

Meanwhile, the fee structure will also be simplified under the new system.

A new 'vehicle entry ticket' will be introduced to replace the 'working area ticket' and 'parking area ticket' which vehicle drivers entering the PCWA to perform cargo loading or unloading activities and parking are required to buy currently.

PCWAs are water-front areas managed by the Marine Department for use by cargo operators for loading or unloading cargoes from barges.

Currently there are eight PCWAs in various locations in the harbour and the first phase of reform involving the allocation of berths was completed in February last year.

Wednesday, 17 March 1999