SDEV visits Sham Shui Po District to meet with residents (with photos)
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     The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, today (July 28) visited Sham Shui Po District to learn about the latest developments and needs of the community and conducted home visits under the "Celebrations for All" project.

     Accompanied by the Chairman of the Sham Shui Po District Council (SSPDC), Mr Ambrose Cheung, and the District Officer (Sham Shui Po), Mr Damian Lee, Mr Wong together with the Director of Buildings, Mr Cheung Tin-cheung, and the Managing Director of the Urban Renewal Authority, Mr Wai Chi-sing, visited two singleton elderly residents and a family in Un Chau Estate to learn about their living conditions and needs. He also gave the residents gift packs to show his care.

     Mr Wong then met with SSPDC members to listen to their views and suggestions on the work of the Government and they exchanged views on residents' issues of concern.

     Mr Wong said, "District visits enable us to engage and interact directly with the public and show our care, gaining a better understanding of the needs of the community through direct communication. It helps to build mutual trust in our society.

     "I am glad to have a chance to meet with local residents and community members of Sham Shui Po today and listen to their views on various issues. It enables us to better cater for the development and needs of the district in community planning processes and when formulating policies."

     He added, "I am keen to have more opportunities to visit different districts in the future to reach out to the community and gain a good grasp of public sentiment."

     Mr Wong also visited the Jao Tsung-I Academy today to learn about the conservation, revitalisation and operation of the Grade 3 historic building. Located at the site of the former Lai Chi Kok Hospital, the Jao Tsung-I Academy is one of the revitalised historic buildings under the first batch of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme launched by the Development Bureau in 2008. After the revitalisation, it is now a centre for promoting Chinese culture and arts. The Academy has received more than 700,000 visitors since its full operation commenced in June 2014.

     The "Celebrations for All" project is one of the major events to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It is co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Department and implemented by non-governmental organisations in the 18 districts.

Ends/Friday, July 28, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:31

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