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The following is issued on behalf of the Provisional Regional Council:

The Provisional Regional Council (Pro RC) held the official opening ceremony of the new Peng Chau Market this (Thursday) morning.

Speaking at the ceremony, Islands Provisional District Board chairman and Pro RC member Mr Daniel Lam Wai-keung said: "With the opening of the second air-conditioned market of the Pro RC built at a cost of $56 million, residents of the island are provided with modern and upgraded municipal service."

Covering a site area of 800 square metres, the two-storey new market at No.2 Po Peng Street has replaced the old one on the island founded 36 years ago.

Linked by a lift and an escalator, the ground and the first floors contain 43 stalls offering a variety of merchandise including fish, fresh and frozen meat, poultry, dry goods and wet goods.

Mr Lam said that the smooth completion of the project was attributable to the joint efforts of the Regional Services Department, the Architectural Services Department and the contractor.

"The opening of the new market, which allows the old market's stall lessees, licensed and unlicensed hawkers to move in, has improved the environment of the island as well."

Also officiating at the opening ceremony are Pro RC members Chow Yuk-tong and Lee Kwai-chun, Acting Assistant Director (Environmental Health Services) of the Regional Services Department Rhonda Lo and Islands District Officer Patrick Chan.

End/Thursday, March 18, 1999

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