The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, visited Mui Wo today  (August 7) to learn about plans to improve the environment of the community and develop local economy.  He also met with local residents to understand more about their livelihoods.

     Legislative Councillors Wong Kwok-hing and Lam Wai-keung, who is also Chairman of the Islands District Council, and some members of the Mui Wo Rural Committee joined the visit.

     Accompanied by Islands District Officer, Mr Byron Lam, Mr Tang arrived at Mui Wo Pier this morning.  He was briefed by District Planning Officer (Sai Kung and Islands), Mr Michael Chan, on planned development projects near the pier to turn Mui Wo into a leisure and historic rural township.  

     Mr Tang then proceeded to Mui Wo Rural Committee Road, where he learnt that the government would give priority to repairing Mui Wo Rural Committee Road, Chung Hau Street and adjacent streets, and would put up road signs and street-lights with local characteristics. The improvement project, with an estimate of $6 million, will be completed by 2009. The Mui Wo Rural Committee also planned to erect a silver bauhinia statue in the central plaza outside the Mui Wo Market in a bid to improve the attractiveness of the area.

     Afterwards, Mr Tang walked past the footbridge at Wang Tong River to Silver Mine Bay Beach.  He was briefed by the Islands District Officer that the government would commit $12 million to widen the footbridge and another $10 million to upgrade a promenade walkway for the convenience of residents and visitors.

     Mr Tang also visited the Mui Wo market and its nearby areas and chatted with district representatives, residents and shopkeepers to understand more about their livelihood and their business. They expressed the hope that the government help facelift Mui Wo to attract more tourists and revitalise the local economy.

     "The government attaches great importance to the well-being of residents in rural areas and we will continue to improve their living environment," Mr Tang said after his visit. “In exploring the Concept Plan for Lantau, Mui Wo residents put forward many good ideas which in the end resulted in concrete proposals for a facelift in Mui Wo. I am pleased to know that concerned government departments are actively pushing forward projects to implement the proposals.

“The government will continue to implement these projects as and when they are ready.  We will upgrade facilities in the area as soon as possible while preserving the local characteristics of Mui Wo, in order to create a better living environment and to promote tourism and sustainable development,” Mr Tang said.  

Ends/Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:28

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