SCS visits Housing Department (with photos)
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     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Cheung, visited the Housing Department (HD) today (February 22) to learn more about the operation of the department and to take the opportunity to meet its staff.

     Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Cheung first met with the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Housing) and Director of Housing, Mr Stanley Ying, and the directorate staff. He was pleased to learn about the HD's work in providing executive support to the Hong Kong Housing Authority as the largest provider in Hong Kong's public housing programme, and in supporting the Transport and Housing Bureau in dealing with all housing-related policies and matters.

     Mr Cheung next toured the Building Information Modelling (BIM) Centre to learn more about its daily operation and observed a demonstration of 3D printing. Since 2006, the HD has been applying BIM in the design and construction of its projects. BIM is a technology that incorporates the design and other relevant information of a building to form a data rich three-dimensional model. It is particularly useful in enhancing design and improving building quality.

     Mr Cheung then visited the Kowloon West and Hong Kong 1 Office situated in Oi Man Estate to better understand the office's operation and the way it deals with daily estate management matters to assist residents. The office is responsible for the implementation of housing management policies; handling tenancy management matters, enquiries and complaints of households; and supervising the performance of service contractors in the delivery of cleaning, security and maintenance services. Apart from Oi Man Estate, the office is also responsible for the tenancy management matters of Sheung Lok Estate nearby and the relevant ownership management issues of three other Home Ownership Scheme courts.

     During his visit, Mr Cheung met staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on issues of concern and to learn more about the challenges and difficulties they face in their daily work in serving the community. He praised colleagues' efforts and encouraged them to continue to provide public services that keep pace with the times and meet public expectations.

Ends/Monday, February 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:23

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