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The living environment of residents in the Yau Tsim Mong District has been improved following the completion of 10 Urban Minor Works (UMW) projects in the district, the Yau Tsim Mong District Officer, Mr Augustine Choi said today (April 21).

Speaking at the completion ceremony of the UMW projects cum opening of the Market Street Sitting-out Area this morning, Mr Choi noted that the District Office had spend $4.2 million on UMW projects in the district last year.

"A further $6 million will be spent on another 10 UMW projects this year to provide district residents with better living and leisure environment," he said.

On the Market Street Sitting-out Area, which cost about $1 million and was officially opened today, Mr Choi noted that it was originally constructed by the Yau Tsim District Board in the 80's with funds provided by the Rotary Club.

"As facilities of the sitting-out area were in a dreadful state of dilapidation and needed repairs, the working Group on UMW applied for funds in 1999 for the reconstruction of the park.

"The reconstructed sitting-out area has a modern-designed kiosk which is shielded from rain and shine, comfortable chairs, and a tactile path constructed for the convenience of those with visual impairment.

"As many tourists will come here at night to take part in palm-reading activities and enjoy various entertainment performances, we have therefore reserved a large area of open ground which is provided with adequate lampposts and covered with bright-colour tiles," Mr Choi added.

The other nine UMW projects completed last year included improvement to the sitting-out area at Arran Street and the staircase at Cliff Road, planting of Bauhinia trees at George V Memorial Park, construction of rain-shelters at Charming Garden, replacement of planter-boxes and flower beds, as well as eliminating hygiene black-spots at various locations in the district.

The UMW Programme was introduced by the Home Affairs Department in April last year to further improve the environment and eliminate hygiene black-spots in urban districts

Other officiating guests at today's ceremony included the Assistant Director of Home Affairs, Mr Chris Williams; Commissioner for Rehabilitation, Mr Stephen Pang; Chairman of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council, Mr Chow Chun-fai; and Chairman of the Yau Tsim Mong District Fight Crime Committee, Mr Ip Kwok-chung.

End/Saturday, April 21, 2001

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