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The following is issued on behalf of the Housing Authority:
The biennial Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) Flower Show opens today (December 16), with Bromeliads chosen as this year's theme flower.
The design theme of the Show this year is to echo the season's greeting at the festival time of the year. The landscape design comprises some cartoon-style structural displays surrounded by various patches of free-style flower planters, using the central fountain as the focus based on environmental protection concepts.
Apart from Bromeliads, Cacti and Insectivores are also among the plants on display, with the total number of plants exceeding 20 000.
Today's opening ceremony was officiated by HA Member Ms Siu Yuen-sheung; the Acting Director of Housing, Mr Tam Wing-pong; and Deputy Director of Housing (Estate Management), Mr Lau Kai-hung.
Awards were presented to the winners of Seasonal Flower Competitions and the Best Cleansing and Security Service Contractors.
The Seasonal Flower Competitions, organized to arouse tenants' interest in horticulture and encourage them to support estate greening, attracted 59 entries. A total of nine awards were given to winners of Tenant and Trainee Groups.
For nine consecutive years, the Best Cleansing and Security Service Contractors Competition was organized to encourage contractors to deliver quality service to public rental housing tenants.
Selection of winners was based on the performance assessment reports of the contractors, assessments given by the senior management of the Housing Department as well as tenants' evaluations. Luen Fat Cleaning Company won the Best Cleansing Service Contractor and Hong Kong Guards Ltd. won the Best Security Service Contractor.
The Flower Show will be held at the Podium Plaza of Lok Fu Shopping Centre (Phase II) until 2 January 2006. Opening hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Admission is free.
Ends/Friday, December 16, 2005
Issued at HKT 17:40
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