The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, chaired the 12th meeting of the Task Force on District Governance today (May 29) to follow up on the initiatives in accordance with the work assigned by the Steering Committee on District Governance. The meeting co-ordinated various departments in formulating specific implementation measures on issues of local concern and continuously reviewed the work progress and performance.
 
     Mr Cheuk said, "All departments continue to closely monitor various district issues of public concern and formulate appropriate measures according to the directives provided by the Steering Committee. The Task Force will continue to co-ordinate and steer departments in implementing improvement measures in an orderly manner, and making adjustments and enhancements as necessary, with a view to effectively responding to public aspirations. The Task Force will also strengthen the promotion of district governance achievements to enhance citizens' sense of happiness and fulfilment."
 
     The Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration has formulated strategies for 12 district issues (Note), including various measures to strengthen community support and improve the local environment, thereby building a better community and enhancing the quality of life of the public. At the meeting, the Task Force followed up on the implementation progress and outcomes of relevant initiatives.
 
     In terms of community support, about 10 000 students in 207 primary schools have participated in the School-based After School Care Service Scheme; as of March 2026, approximately 190 000 elderly people have been served by the "Smart Silver" Digital Inclusion Programme for Elders launched by the Digital Policy Office in December 2024. In addition, as at end-March 2026, the District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) in all districts had visited or reached out to over 109 000 singleton and doubleton elderly households, carers of elderly persons and persons with disabilities (high-risk households). More than 3 500 households (involving over 4 000 elderly persons or persons with disabilities) were referred by the Care Teams to receive subsidies for installation of the Care-On-Call device. The Government is systematising the Carer Support Data Platform and progressively expanding its coverage. The Care Teams have started visiting high-risk households in "three-nil" buildings since March.
 
     As regards the district environment, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will conduct enforcement operations from May to September 2026 targeting over 300 blackspots across Hong Kong with more serious problems of dripping air conditioners. Between May 1 and 17, the FEHD had inspected about 1 100 private buildings and housing estates, and issued a total of 239 statutory "Nuisance Notices" to owners/occupants of premises where water dripping from air-conditioners caused environmental hygiene nuisance, requiring them to abate the nuisance within a specified period. As of April 30, the FEHD had distributed around 15 000 leaflets and posters covering 390 buildings and housing estates, reminding members of the public to take proactive measures to reduce nuisance caused by air-conditioner water dripping.
 
     In respect of enhancing the environment, relevant departments have completed three beautification projects in the first quarter of 2026, including thematic planting in park projects and housing development schemes. In addition, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is making efforts to create thematic floral gardens across 18 districts, establishing uniquely featured flower and tree viewing spots for each district. Among these, Tseung Kwan O South Park has already completed the planting of pink trumpet trees and Mexican bluebell in January this year.
 
     Mr Cheuk thanked all departments for their diligent efforts in carrying out the above work and achieving notable results in various measures benefitting the public. He urged all departments to continue upholding their mission of serving the public and responding flexibly to social changes, so as to make the Government's district services more effective and further enhance the well-being of the public.
 
Note: The 12 key issues are: (1) expanding after-school care and enhancing support for parents; (2) caring for the elderly and enhancing community support; (3) fostering clean markets and mobilising the community to participate in anti-rodent work; (4) enhancing public order and combating crimes on all fronts; (5) improving pedestrian facilities and ensuring road safety; (6) enhancing the community environment and strengthening local characteristics; (7) improving the environment of public housing estates and creating comfortable homes; (8) caring for the elderly and promoting digital inclusion; (9) improving the waiting environment at public transport interchanges to enhance the travel experience; (10) combating air-conditioner water dripping to improve community environment; (11) cleaning pedestrian walkways to improve city streets; (12) strengthening thematic planting.

Ends/Friday, May 29, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:14

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