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SHA visits district works projects in Tsuen Wan (with photo)
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     The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, visited Tsuen Wan this afternoon (June 15) to see how the District Council (DC) is improving the facilities and environment of old areas through district minor works (DMW), and how an elderly caretaker scheme is providing training and jobs for women, including female new arrivals.

     Accompanied by the Chairman of the Tsuen Wan DC, Mr Chan Iu-seng, and the District Officer (Tsuen Wan), Miss Jenny Yip, Mr Tsang inspected the progress of the Hau Tei Square Hawker Bazaar project.

     The bazaar, an old-style hawker market, had been an issue of concern for the DC and nearby residents over the years as hawkers had causally erected tents and installed electric meters there, posing environmental hygiene problems and even fire hazards. Launched early this year, the DMW will provide a cover to the bazaar and enhance fire prevention and ventilation equipment, public lighting systems and power supply installations.

     "Funding by the Special Administrative Region Government to DCs to implement the DMW programme has offered an opportunity for improvement to this old-style bazaar. I hope that upon completion of the project, the square will become the new landmark of Tsuen Wan and help revitalise the local economy," Mr Tsang said.

     He also paid a visit to Tai Pei Square Playground to see renovated and new facilities there, including the children's play area and elderly fitness facilities. Tai Pei Square, an early developed community, is the home of many senior citizens and children and the renovated facilities have been well received by the residents.

     This renovation project is also funded by the DMW programme. "The DMW programme is an initiative by the Government to strengthen the function of DCs. We shall continue to work closely with DCs to respond to public demands and improve the district facilities and environment," Mr Tsang added.

     Mr Tsang was also keen to hear about the training and employment opportunities for women in the district.

     In 2010, under the co-ordination of the Tsuen Wan District Office, Yan Chai Hospital, the New Territories Association of Societies and the Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies of Lingnan University worked together to put on trial the "Happy Home Project" to train up caretakers for the elderly.

     Mr Tsang visited the training centre of the project today. He learned that a total of 88 trainees, including new arrivals, had completed training to become "caretakers for the elderly". They have already been sent to elderly homes and families in need of the services, such as escorting elderly people for medical consultations and taking care of them.
 

Ends/Friday, June 15, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:41

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