***************************
The Integrated Call Centre (ICC) will conduct a disaster recovery drill to test the reliability of its connection between the new centre in Tsuen Wan and the old centre in Yau Ma Tei.
An ICC spokesman said testing of the telephone network would occur between 2pm to 6pm tomorrow (November 24).
"As people may experience problems in connecting to 1823 and the hotlines of 19 departments handled by the ICC during this period, they may wish to access the ICC service through the webpage at www.1823.gov.hk," the spokesman said.
He said every effort would be made to reduce the interruption during the testing and asked for public understanding of any inconvenience caused.
The 19 departments of which hotline service will be affected are:
Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Architectural Services Department
Buildings Department
Civil Engineering and Development Department
Companies Registry
Drainage Services Department
Electrical and Mechanical Services Department
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Highways Department
Hongkong Post
Labour Department
Land Registry
Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Marine Department
Office of the Government Chief Information Officer
Rating and Valuation Department
Continuing Education Fund of Student Financial Assistance Agency
Transport Department
Tobacco Control Office of Department of Health
Ends/Friday, November 23, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:19
NNNN