【明報專訊】THE BREAKWATER of the eastern artificial island of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) which is connected to a tunnel is suspected of having "chipped off". At one time the Highways Department referred the press to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority claiming that the latter was responsible for the eastern island, which is part of the construction of the main bridge. In response to queries, the HZMB Authority only published an article on its web page the next day denying that the breakwater had fallen apart. However, the explanation failed to dispel the suspicions and worries of the Hong Kong public. Some Hong Kong engineering professionals were not convinced either. With a price tag of over a hundred billion dollars, the HZMB marks the first time Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have collaborated on a piece of mega cross-boundary transportation infrastructure under "One Country, Two Systems", and Hong Kong shoulders nearly 43% of the cost. It is reasonable and fair that the Hong Kong public ask for more clarification from the Hong Kong government and the HZMB Authority. The officials of the Highways Department went to Zhuhai last Sunday to meet with members of the HZMB Authority, but the officials postponed briefing the press until yesterday (April 9). The slow response of the government is frustrating.