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The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, today (February 17) visited Tai O, Ngong Ping and Tung Chung on Lantau Island, Islands District to keep abreast of the latest development there and to canvass views of local residents on service improvements under his portfolio.
Dr Chow made a stop at the Tai O Sheltered Boat Anchorage to learn more about the permanent anchorage facilities for the Tai O fishing population. He boarded a fishing vessel to call on an elderly couple, Mr and Mrs Ng, who have been fishing for decades. As the third generation of fishermen living in Tai O, the Ngs told Dr Chow they enjoyed the tranquility of the fishing village.
At Ngong Ping Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Dr Chow was briefed by District Officer (Islands), Mr Owin Fung, on the new facilities and tourist attractions in the Ngong Ping area, including the sewerage treatment plant, public transport interchange, Ngong Ping 360, Ngong Ping Village and Ngong Ping Piazza.
Dr Chow met the West Kowloon Cluster Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority and received a briefing on the latest development of the proposed hospital project for North Lantau which is to be located in Tung Chung Areas 13, 22 and 25. He was glad to see that a site had been identified for the construction of the hospital to meet local demand for emergency medical services as well as the prospective increase in the population of Lantau Island.
"Given the expected increase in visitors with the opening of so many tourists attractions in Islands District, we hope the project could be started as soon as possible," he said.
Dr Chow concluded his visit to Islands District by meeting with Islands District councillors to exchange views on issues relating to health, welfare, food and environmental hygiene issues.
Ends/Friday, February 17, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:15
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