Effective measures have been initiated by the three recently established District Fire Safety Committees (DFSC) to improve building management and fire safety in Yau Tsim Mong, Eastern and Tsuen Wan, the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, learnt today during a visit to Tsuen Wan.

Mr Tung took an MTR train from Lai King to Tsuen Wan this afternoon. He first toured Sam Tung Uk Museum, originally a traditional Hakka walled village built in 1786 by a CHAN family. Because of its historical significance, the village was declared a monument in 1981.

Noting that Sam Tung Uk is preserved despite rapid developments in the district, Mr Tung said that monuments and antiquities such as these would help Hong Kong people, particularly the younger generation, better understand the territory's history and Chinese culture and would enhance their sense of belonging.

He then proceeded to Emperor Centre to inspect the fire safety improvement measures implemented by building tenants.

Mr Tung was told that Tsuen Wan, like other older districts, was faced with the problems of building management and fire safety as many of the buildings in the district were aging.

" I am pleased to know that the Tsuen Wan District Office has helped set up the first DFSC in the New Territories last month to further enhance fire safety and building management. Their work will not only reduce the risk of fire, but will also enhance public awareness of the importance of fire prevention," he added.

The DFSCs, chaired by respective District Officers, pull together the efforts of local community leaders and professionals related to building management as well as representatives from relevant government departments.

They were tasked with enhancing community involvement in promoting fire safety in private buildings, co-organising publicity activities with the provisional district boards and other bodies, and helping to stage fire drills with the co-operation of Owners Corporations and Mutual Aid Committees.

The Home Affairs Department will soon set up its second Building Management Resource Centre (BMRC) in Tsuen Wan to help owners in private buildings deal with building management problems.

The first BMRC, located at Mau Lam Street in Yau Ma Tei, will commence operation in April. It will offer free preliminary professional advice from lawyers, accountants, surveyors and property management companies. Other relevant government departments will also provide information on their respective services.

Before concluding the visit, Mr Tung met with Tsuen Wan Provisional District Board members and local leaders at a reception at the Airport Core Programme Exhibition Centre at Ting Kau.

In response to the concern expressed by district leaders about unemployment, Mr Tung pointed out that the economic adjustments we were facing should be short term. He stressed that while the Government would seek to improve the business environment in order to attract investments and create jobs, members of the public should join hands with the Government to meet the challenges ahead.

"We are fully aware of people's anxiety as Hong Kong enters an economic downturn with unemployment picking up as a result of the Asian financial turmoil. To ease the problem and stimulate economic development, we have announced in the Budget a series of tax reliefs and pledged huge investments in infrastructural projects.

"We will adopt a pragmatic approach in assisting job-seekers and helping them to acquire new skills," he said.

Mr Tung recalled that in the last economic downturn, Hong Kong's unemployment rate climbed to a peak, at 3.6 per cent, around August and September in 1995.

"With the sound fundamentals of our economy and efficient operations of our markets, together with the resilience of our people, the unemployment rate eased progressively and reached a low of 2.2 per cent in the third quarter of 1997.

"Hong Kong people are known for their adaptability. After each adjustment, new businesses are developed and our economy is able to recover and reach new heights," he said.

Mr Tung was accompanied by the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau, and Deputy Director, Mr Lui Hau-tuen; Tsuen Wan Provisional District Board Chairman, Mr Chan Lau-fong and the Tsuen Wan District Officer, Mr William Yap.