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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, visited Kowloon City this afternoon (July 25) to better understand the basic needs of the district residents. He also toured the Cattle Depot Artist Village to familiarise himself with the local arts development.
Accompanied by Kowloon City District Officer Miss Agnes Wong, Mr Tsang first visited the Day Care Centre for the Elderly at TWGHs Wong Cho Tong Social Service Building. The centre provides day nursery and support services to the elders suffering from mild or serious physical illness and senile dementia. These services aim to enable these elders to continue their normal social life in the community and at the same time lessen the burden on their relatives. This in turn fosters family harmony.
Mr Tsang also toured the District Elderly Community Centre in the same building. He joined the elders singing karaoke as well as attending paper folding and acrobatic classes. He also chatted with some senior citizens to listen to their needs.
"It is the responsibility of each family to take care of their senior members. We must respect and care for the elderly of other families as we respect and care for those in our own family, and see to it that such fine tradition is carried forward throughout the community," Mr Tsang said.
The Chief Executive later arrived at the Cattle Depot Artist Village which is marked as the base for promoting cultural and arts activities.
The Village was a cattle inspection and control point which was redeveloped and converted into an artists' workshop since its closure in 1999. There are, at present, sixteen cultural bodies and organisations in the Village, including Zuni Icosahedron Ltd, Artist Commune Ltd, Videotage Ltd, 1a Space and On & On Theatre Workshop Company Ltd.
Mr Tsang visited the Cattle Depot Artist Village to see for himself the latest development there. He also watched a rehearsal for an arts carnival programme by some young members of a theatre company. Mr Tsang exchanged views on arts education and development with the cultural bodies.
"Arts and culture not only nourish one's life, but also assets for economic growth and a driving force for tourism. The Government will endeavour to promote the culture and arts development which will benefit everyone," the Chief Executive said.
Mr Tsang later visited residents and shop operators on Hau Wong Road and Lion Rock Road. He also chatted with customers at a restaurant on Nga Tsin Wai Road.
Ends/Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:18
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