CS visits Sichuan to inspect HKSAR-funded reconstruction projects (with photos/video)

CS visits Sichuan to inspect HKSAR-funded reconstruction projects (with photos/video)
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     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, today (May 5) led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation to Chengdu and Deyang, Sichuan to inspect a number of HKSAR-funded reconstruction projects that are at different stages of development, including projects under construction, completed, or that have commenced operation.  The delegation aims to get first-hand information on both the operation of commenced projects and the progress of others.  The delegation also visited a project funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

     The delegation arrived at Dongqi Primary School in the morning and visited the students in class.  In 2009, Mr Tang led a delegation to Hanwang, Mianzhu to see the old site of Dongqi Primary School, which was devastated by the earthquake.  The school has now been relocated to the new campus in Deyang.  The HKSAR "Trust Fund in Support of Reconstruction in the Sichuan Earthquake Stricken Areas" (Trust Fund) has allocated RMB43.1 million for the reconstruction of the school at the current site.  The teaching complex and main facilities commenced operation this February, providing some 1,600 students with a safe and pleasant environment for learning.  It is expected that the construction of the remaining ancillary facilities will be completed this May.

     The HKSAR delegation then inspected the construction of the in-patient block and related facilities of the Second Deyang Municipality Hospital.  The Trust Fund has allocated RMB122 million for reconstruction of the surgical in-patient block and procurement of relevant facilities and equipment.  The project is undergoing internal fitting-out and installation of related building services equipment, and is expected to be completed this July.

     The delegation also visited the Guanghan Rehabilitation Centre in Deyang to inspect the rehabilitation facilities and the services provided for those injured in the earthquake.  The Centre (including the social welfare centre) was funded by the Trust Fund with an allocation of RMB24 million.  It provides day-time and residential rehabilitation services.  The Centre will shortly commence operation.  The Trust Fund also supports reconstruction of 24 similar rehabilitation centre projects.

     The delegation visited the Sichuan-Hong Kong Rehabilitation Centre in Chengdu.   Receiving RMB225 million funding from the Trust Fund, the Centre is a flagship medical project of the HKSAR.  The project will provide orthopaedics, traumatology, physiotherapy, occupational care, prosthetic services, and clinical psychological counselling. The Centre will also serve as the hub for Sichuan's rehabilitation network, and training and development for related professionals.  The project is expected to be completed in mid-2012.

     The HKSAR delegation also went to Doujiangyan to inspect construction progress of the Sichuan Olympic School, which is receiving RMB135 million in funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club.  The School is the first of its kind in Sichuan.  It aims to recruit and train young and talented Sichuan athletes and eventually develop into one of the best sports schools in the country.  The School will also serve as a base for the exchange of sports talents between Hong Kong and Sichuan.  Construction of the superstructure of the training complex and the teaching complex have been largely completed.  The project is expected to complete this September.

     After that, the HKSAR delegation visited residential reconstruction projects in Doujiangyan to learn about the significant improvement in the livelihoods of people in the earthquake stricken areas brought about by the reconstruction efforts.

     Concluding today's visit, Mr Tang said, "I am pleased to see the HKSAR-funded reconstruction projects are starting to commence operation.  The fact that students are now enjoying the new campus and learning happily is the best reward for our efforts over the past two years.  Construction of other projects is also being carried out smoothly.  I am especially glad to know relevant parties always put quality of construction and welfare of the future service users first."

     Mr Tang added that he fully appreciated the gratitude of the Sichuan people towards the HKSAR's reconstruction efforts.  He wishes to see cooperation between Sichuan and Hong Kong growing from strength to strength, and the friendship between people of the two places flourishing.

     HKSARG officials joining today's visit include the Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Joshua Law; Team Leader (Sichuan Reconstruction) of the Development Bureau, Mr Mak Chai-kwong; the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Kenneth Chen; and representatives of related bureaux and departments.

     Mr Tang and the delegation will attend a ceremony commemorating the completion of a number of HKSAR-funded reconstruction project tomorrow (May 6).  The delegation will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.

Ends/Thursday, May 5, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:49

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