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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (October 30) visited Yau Tsim Mong District for an update on its development.
Accompanied by Yau Tsim Mong District Officer, Miss Amy Chow, Mr Tsang toured Yau Ma Tei Police Station. Built in 1873, the three-storey police station is a Grade III historical building.
Mr Tsang was briefed by representatives of Yau Tsim Police District and the Antiquities and Monuments Office on the special characteristics of the building as well as the preservation work.
Officials of the Highways Department also outlined the impact of the proposed Central Kowloon Route on the historical building.
The Route is a strategic road to relieve traffic congestion on the existing east-west roads across central Kowloon.
"In mapping out infrastructural plans, the Government will strive to strike a balance between heritage conservation and development of the city," Mr Tsang said.
He also went to the rooftop of a high-rise building to see the latest residential development of the waterfront area in West Kowloon.
To end his visit, the Chief Executive took some refreshments at a dessert shop in a shopping mall on top of MTR Olympic Station.
Run by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Jockey Club Tai Kok Tsui Integrated Services Centre, the shop is a social enterprise providing job opportunities for local middle-aged single-parent women and unemployed young people with low education level.
Apart from dessert, the shop also sells McDull merchandise as well as providing home help service.
"With the tripartite collaboration among the Government, businesses and the society, we can promote social enterprises and achieve 'helping people to help themselves'. Social enterprises can also boost employment in the district.
"I will invite non-profit-making organisations and the business community to participate in these projects. I will also convene a summit on social enterprises before year end," Mr Tsang said.
Ends/Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:45
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