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The Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Pamela Tan, today (February 16) inspected the progress of district minor works projects in Sai Kung, Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong with the respective District Council (DC) chairmen and members.
Since the implementation of the District Minor Works programme, Mrs Tan said, DC members had been very active in identifying and initiating new projects to provide or improve local facilities such as development of a cycling park, children's playgrounds, greening as well as beautification projects.
"The Home Affairs Department will continue to co-operate with the DCs and work closely with the relevant government departments to expedite the implementation of the district minor works projects to improve community facilities and create jobs," she said.
Together with Sai Kung DC Chairman Mr Ng Sze-fuk and councillors, Mrs Tan first arrived at Tiu Keng Leng Temporary Bicycle Park which was commissioned last August. In addition to arbours and flower beds, the 5,500-square-metre park is equipped with a cycling track and simulated road signs.
The group then inspected the Tong Ming Street Temporary Park in Tseung Kwan O which is now under construction. Apart from landscaped areas, the park provides exercise equipment for the elderly, play equipment for children and a community painting wall.
Mrs Tan then went to Wong Tai Sin where she met DC Chairman Mr Li Tak-hong and council members. Firstly, they paid a site visit to learn more about the project to redevelop the former site of the Creative Arts Playground into a sitting-out area. After the first phase of the project was completed last May, residents can make use of the new covered walkway between Sha Tin Pass Road and Wong Tai Sin MTR station. The DC has approved funding to turn the site of the former Creative Arts Playground into a piazza style sitting-out area, with the installation of flag poles for flag-raising parades to be held there. The DC signage nearby will also be transformed into a new landmark with a modern design and informational functions. Upon completion of these works, the area will have a fresh look and will become a focal point in Wong Tai Sin.
Mrs Tan and the councillors then arrived at Fung Shing Street to see how the DC can make improvements an uneven staircase there later this year. The project is in response to residents' views on the potential danger arising from the rough staircase. Wong Tai Sin DC received reports from residents that the steps of a track within Choi Wan Estate were uneven, but as the Housing Department (HD) could not allocate priority resources to construct a proper flight of stairs, Wong Tai Sin DC approved funding for the project, which will be implemented by the HD.
The penultimate stop of the Director of Home Affairs' visit was Kwun Tong waterfront.
Together with Kwun Tong DC Chairman Mr Bunny Chan Chung-bun and DC members, Mrs Tan visited the site of the Kwun Tong Waterfront Promenade project. After full completion of the first phase by end of this year, the promenade will provide more open space for the public and will be a good location for a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour.
The group then went to the Kwun Tong Community Centre which was built more than four decades ago. Thanks to the DC's funding of the minor works project, the community centre will have a facelift with the expansion of the hall and upgrading of its ancillary facilities.
Ends/Monday, February 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:26
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