Chief Executive visits Kwun Tong (with photos/video)

Chief Executive visits Kwun Tong (with photos/video)
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     The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, visited Kwun Tong District this afternoon (October 31) to see the impact of the financial tsunami on different sectors of the community.

     Accompanied by the Kwun Tong District Officer, Miss Pauline Wong, Mr Tsang toured seafood stalls at Lei Yue Mun. He listened to restaurant owners and local residents talk about ways to promote business which has been adversely affected by the current financial situation.

     Mr Tsang noted that the Kwun Tong District Office would launch the Neighbourhood Ambassador Scheme to organise tours of local attractions and landmarks, including Lei Yue Mun. The scheme aims to cultivate a sense of belonging among local residents and help promote local business. Mr Tsang said he was pleased to learn that local residents were satisfied with the improvement works carried out by the District Office to repair damage inflicted by Typhoon Hagupit on September 24.

     The Chief Executive then proceeded to the "Kwun Tong Community Sales Outlet", a social enterprise run by Christian Action in Shui Wo Street. Offering a variety of merchandise at reasonable prices, the outlet is frequented by local residents and has become a profitable business.

     "The success of the outlet not only embodies the notion of 'helping people to help themselves', it also best serves the needs of low income earners particularly in times of economic downturn," Mr Tsang said.

     He added that the Government would continue to provide seed money under the Enhancing Self-Reliance Through Partnership Programme to support the start-up of new social enterprises.

     The Chief Executive ended the visit with a tour of the Kwun Tong Methodist Social Service's food bank and service centre in Tsui Ping Estate.

     On the need for food assistance in the community, Mr Tsang said the Government would enhance short-term food assistance services to individuals in dire need. A total of $100 million has been earmarked for the Social Welfare Department to work with non-profit-making organisations to offer additional food assistance.

     "We will seek the Finance Committee's approval as soon as possible,"the Chief Executive said, adding that since August, the Social Welfare Department had allocated $1.2 million for food assistance to provide immediate aid to people in need.

Ends/Friday, October 31, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:04

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