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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, visited North District this afternoon (August 6).
Accompanied by the District Officer (North), Mr Yau Kin-chung, Mrs Lam first met with members of the North District Council. Mrs Lam and the members exchanged views on issues of community concern in the district.
Accompanied by the Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Dr Louis Ng, Mrs Lam then proceeded to North District Park, where she was briefed on the tree risk assessment and maintenance work of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). She said she was glad to learn that the department had set up dedicated regional tree teams to oversee tree management work more systematically and effectively.
Mrs Lam then visited the Cheer Lutheran Centre in Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui and met a group of people who have joined the centre's "We Cycle" Programme as bicycle tour guides. The programme recruits drug abusers and provides them with treatment and rehabilitation services including training as bicycle tour guides. Those who have completed the training are engaged by the centre as guides for bicycle tours to places of historical and ecological interest in the district. Expressing appreciation for the centre's efforts, Mrs Lam said that the programme not only provides rehabilitation services but also helps build self-confidence among these people through appropriate employment training.
Accompanied by Dr Ng and the District Officer (Yuen Long), Mr Edward Mak, Mrs Lam also took the opportunity to visit the Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building, which opened in 2013. She toured various facilities, including the swimming pool, the sports centre and the eight-storey Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library, which is the second largest public library in Hong Kong and the first public library with an outdoor courtyard for reading.
Mrs Lam was specially briefed on the design of the building, featuring open space at the atrium and courtyards, as well as surrounding curtain wall that allows natural light be admitted to the whole building. During the tour, Mrs Lam spoke to users and listened to their feedback. She said she was pleased to hear that this leisure and cultural facility has been much welcomed by the local community. In ending her visit, Mrs Lam encouraged staff of the LCSD to continue their good work in providing quality services to the general public.
Ends/Thursday, August 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:30
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