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A Home Affairs Department (HAD) spokesman said today (October 14) that the Islands District Office (IsDO) had so far received 564 applications for financial assistance from affected Tai O residents arising from the flood on September 24, of which more than 60 cases were submitted by shop or restaurant owners.
All the applications had been expeditiously processed under the Emergency Relief Fund and General Chinese Charities Fund. To date, the Government had already offered emergency relief to 275 applicants, including shop and restaurant owners, and it is expected that the disbursement of the funds will be completed by this week.
On health and hygiene conditions in Tai O, the spokesman said that after greater efforts by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Marine Department in the past few weeks, the situation in Tai O is generally back to normal.
The spokesman added that Tai O residents who needed assistance regarding preservation of cultural heritage could consider seeking professional advice or technical support from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department or applying for grants through the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust. Details can be obtained from the following website: www.lordwilson-heritagetrust.org.hk/app/index.htm .
Ends/Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:01
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