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The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, visited Wan Chai District this afternoon (April 28) to learn more about the latest developments in the district.
Accompanied by the Acting Assistant Director (Projects and Development) of the Drainage Services Department (DSD), Mr Luk Wai-hung, and District Officer (Wan Chai), Mr Rick Chan, Professor Chan first inspected the underground stormwater storage tank and related facilities of the Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme (HVUSSS). The DSD commenced the scheme at Happy Valley Recreation Ground in September 2012, aiming to alleviate the flood risk in the Happy Valley and Wan Chai areas. Some of the harvested rainwater and groundwater is re-used for watering the turf of sports pitches and toilet flushing.
The HVUSSS is to be completed in two phases. Phase 1 of the underground stormwater storage tank has been in operation since March 2015. Phase 2 is underway and is expected to be completed before the rainy season in 2017.
Professor Chan then visited the HOPE Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities run by the International Social Service Hong Kong Branch. The Centre is funded by the Home Affairs Department and, since its establishment in 2009, it has been offering a wide range of support services for ethnic minorities in Wan Chai and nearby districts. They include language, computer and tutorial classes, which seek to help the participants integrate into the local community and promote racial harmony.
Professor Chan then visited the HC Café, a social enterprise of the Hong Chi Association supported by the Urban Renewal Authority and the Social Welfare Department's "Enhancing Employment of People with Disabilities through Small Enterprise" Project. The café offers training and employment opportunities to trainees with intellectual disabilities.
Before concluding his visit, Professor Chan held a tea gathering there to exchange views with members of Wan Chai District Council on issues of common interest, including funding for district works, Hong Kong's economic and investment environment, and the development of financial technology.
Ends/Thursday, April 28, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:04
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