Chief Secretary visits Sichuan (with photos/video)

Chief Secretary visits Sichuan (with photos/video)
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     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, and the HKSARG delegation today (September 1) headed to Deyang and Nanchong Municipalities in the Sichuan Province to inspect the reconstruction projects funded by the HKSAR. They attended the opening of the school year in HKSAR-funded schools.

     The reconstruction of Yuenjia Primary School in Jingyang District, Deyang Municipality was commissioned today. The project was undertaken jointly by the Rotary Club of Kowloon West and the Association of Engineering Professionals in Society Ltd with funding support from the HKSAR "Trust Fund in Support of Reconstruction in the Sichuan Earthquake Stricken Areas" ("the Trust Fund"). In the new school year, some 600 students have moved from temporary classrooms to the new school premises. Mr Tang officiated at the opening of the school year this morning. He encouraged students and teachers to nurture talent for the country.

     Members of the Association of Engineering Professionals in Society Ltd has played significant role in taking forward the project. They have provided valuable advice on the planning, construction, management and supervision of the project. Mr Tang commended the contribution by the Association and the Rotary Club of Kowloon West. He said that the project was a good demonstration of the "Government-led, full community involvement" approach.

     In the afternoon, the delegation arrived at the Nanchong Municipality to inspect the Baita Secondary School in Gaoping District.  The reconstruction project was undertaken by the Association of Chinese Evangelical Ministry Ltd with funding support from the Trust Fund.  The teaching complex of the school has been completed. Some 3,700 junior secondary students diverted to other schools can now return to the Baita Secondary School to continue their studies.

     The delegation then went to the Nanchong Fujiang Road Primary School. The HKSAR-funded teaching complex has been completed. Some 1,700 students diverted to other schools now returned to study in the new school premises. Speaking at the opening of the school year, Mr Tang encouraged students to contribute to the country and the reconstruction of their home.

     Mr Tang and the delegation will attend the signing ceremony for the project design contract of the Sichuan Hong Kong Rehabilitation Centre and hold a working meeting with the representatives of the Sichuan Provincial Government tomorrow (September 2). They will return Hong Kong afterwards.

Ends/Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:41

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