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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, visited Sha Tin today (January 9) to see the progress of minor works projects in the district.
Mr Tsang said that in view of the financial tsunami, the Government had been actively carrying out minor works projects in various districts to improve community facilities as well as create employment opportunities. The Sha Tin District Council has so far allocated $15.55 million to the District Minor Works programme, with 41 projects to be or being launched this financial year.
Accompanied by the District Officer of Sha Tin, Mr Andrew Lai, Mr Tsang visited the Stone Park in Sha Kok Estate where he was briefed on the district minor works projects carried out by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The site of the park was once vacant government land. Through active co-ordination by the District Office of the Home Affairs Department, beautification project was carried out by the Architectural Services Department in 2006 with the provision of pavilions, flower beds and a pebble path. The Sha Tin District Council also allocated $215,000 in 2008 for the installation of fitness equipment for the elderly and construction of additional entrances in the park. The project is targeted for completion in March this year.
Mr Tsang then visited the cooked food stalls in Sha Kok Estate to learn about their business. He also toured the Hin Keng Neighbourhood Community Centre in Tai Wai where the offices of four non-governmental organisations and Junior Police Call Clubhouse are located to hold various activities to serve the local community. Through funding by the Sha Tin District Council, the facilities at the centre have been improved with the provision of audio-visual equipment.
Mr Tsang was satisfied with the progress of the works. After the visit he met members of the Sha Tin District Council to discuss local issues and encourage them to keep up the efforts in carrying out various district minor works, to create a better living environment for the residents.
The projects funded by the Sha Tin District Council include improvement and beautification works of facilities managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, enhancement of facilities in Home Affairs Departmentˇ¦s community halls, and a number of minor works such as construction of rain shelters, village roads, sitting-out areas, basketball courts and pebble paths.
Ends/Friday, January 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:05
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