SFH visits Tai Wai Market and FEHD Skylight Market (with photos)
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Upon installation of an air-conditioning system, Tai Wai Market reopened in October 2020 to provide a more comfortable shopping environment to the public. Apart from the air-conditioning system, the market also underwent a series of improvement works, including reprovisioning of two existing poultry stalls for human-poultry segregation, upgrades to the electricity supply and ventilation system, barrier-free facilities and signage system, and refurbishment of toilet facilities.
Upon reopening, the market has implemented various anti-epidemic measures, including requiring market tenants and customers to put on masks; installation of a body temperature checking system at the entrances/exits; placing sensor-activated hand sanitiser dispensers in the market; and enhancing the market toilet facilities by installing sensor-activated water taps, soap dispensers, a flushing system and toilet seat sanitisers.
Professor Chan said, "The Government attaches importance to providing a modernised environment for public markets and has earmarked $2 billion for the implementation of the Market Modernisation Programme (MMP) to carry out various types of hardware improvement works, including overhaul, minor refurbishment or improvement works, for public markets managed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), with an aim to improve the operating environment of public markets to benefit the public and tenants. If needed, the Government will seek additional resources for implementation of the MMP."
Professor Chan then went to FEHD Skylight Market, which is located near Tin Sau Road Park in Tin Shui Wai, to inspect the preparatory work for the market. She talked with some tenants to learn about their preparation for the opening of their stalls. The Architectural Services Department adopted the modular integrated construction method to shorten the construction time of the market. FEHD Skylight Market will commence operation in the second half of December 2020. There will be 36 stalls selling fish, meat, vegetables and fruits etc, providing more choices to the public for purchasing fresh food provisions.
Professor Chan said, "With reference to the signature architectural design of the canopy of the temporary market, it is named 'FEHD Skylight Market'. Apart from reflecting the characteristics of the market design, the first word of 'Skylight' in Chinese also matches very well with the first word of 'Tin Shui Wai'."
The FEHD received more than 2 400 eligible applications for renting the stalls. Open balloting was held in early November. To support local employment in Tin Shui Wai, applications from local residents for renting stalls under a specified category were given an additional "ballot paper" to enhance the chance of successful balloting. According to the balloting result, 10 stalls were allotted to applicants residing in Tin Shui Wai.
The FEHD, as the landlord, is responsible for determining the rental level and signing agreements with tenants. Under this premises, a new operation model will be introduced to FEHD Skylight Market. This arrangement will strengthen the role of the service contractor in managing the market, with a view to enhancing business vibrancy and meeting the needs of the public.
Moreover, contactless payment means will be available at all stalls in FEHD Skylight Market, with a view to lowering the transmission risk of COVID-19 in the market environment and ensuring public health.
Ends/Thursday, November 19, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:59
Issued at HKT 18:59
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