The Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) today (April 26) reminded members of the public that they may search for rateable values effective from April 1 this year on the Valuation List and the Government Rent Roll on the RVD's website (www.rvd.gov.hk) or its Property Information Online website (www.rvdpi.gov.hk) by May 31.

     Proposals to alter the new rateable values must be served on the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation (the Commissioner) by May 31 by submitting an electronic form (Form e-R20A) using the Electronic Submission of Forms service provided on the RVD website, or on the specified form (Form R20A). Form R20A is available from the RVD's website, or at the RVD's office or any Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Home Affairs Department. Completed forms must be served on the Commissioner by personal service or by post.  Proposals served by fax will not be accepted.

     A spokesman for the RVD emphasised that under the Rating Ordinance and the Government Rent (Assessment and Collection) Ordinance, proposals served on the Commissioner after May 31 would not be accepted.

     "Notwithstanding the lodging of a proposal, payers of rates and Government rent must pay rates and Government rent by the last day for payment shown on the demand notes. We will carefully consider all proposals and inform the proposers of our decisions before December 1. Any changes in rates and Government rent payable resulting from such decisions will date back to April 1 this year and any overpayment will be adjusted in subsequent demands," the spokesman said.

     The Drainage Services Department (DSD) today (April 26) announced that the tender period for the contract for Shek Kip Mei Stormwater Storage Scheme and Drainage Improvement Works in Eastern District and Lei Yue Mun (Contract No. DC/2024/06) has been extended to noon on May 17.

     The DSD invited tenders for the contract on March 22. The tender period was originally scheduled to expire at noon on May 3.

     The extension of the tender period was gazetted today. Details of the tender notice are available at the DSD's website (www.dsd.gov.hk/EN/Tender_Notices/Current_Tenders/index.html).

     The DSD has commissioned Binnies Hong Kong Limited to design and supervise the works. For enquiries, please call the company at 2601 1000 during office hours.

     â€‹The Government announced today (April 26) the reappointments of Mr Samuel Chan Ka-yan as the Chairperson and nine incumbent members of the Competition Commission (the Commission), and the appointments of six new members. All the appointments are for a term of two years from May 1, 2024.
      
     The reappointed incumbent members are Ms Jennifer Chan Pui-kwan, Professor Fong Yuk-fai, Ms Sabrina Ho Shuk-ying, Professor Vincent Lau Kin-nang, Mr Patrick Law Fu-yuen, Mr Roy Ng Chun-tat, Mr Jimmy Ng Wing-ka, Professor Anna Wong Wai-kwan and Mr Eric Xin Yue-sheng.
      
     Mr Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung, Mr Calvin Chan Ka-wai, Mr Matthew Lam Kin-hong, Dr Billy Mak Sui-choi, Mr Webster Ng Kam-wah and Mr Symon Wong Yu-wing have been newly appointed to the Commission.
      
     Commenting on the appointments, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, "The Commission is committed to promoting competition and combating anti-competitive conduct, and actively enforces the Competition Ordinance (the Ordinance) and spearheads various aspects of its work under the Ordinance. I am confident that under the leadership of the Chairperson, Mr Samuel Chan, the Commission will continue to make important contributions to safeguarding competition in Hong Kong. I also thank the five outgoing members, namely Professor K C Chan, Ms Rachel Lam Yan-kay, Mr Alan Lui Siu-lun, Ms Sandy Wong Hang-yee and Mr Tony Yung Kam-fai, for their valuable advice rendered during their tenure."
      
     Established under the Ordinance, the Commission investigates possible contraventions of the competition rules, promotes public understanding of the Ordinance, conducts market studies and advises the Government on competition matters.
      
     The membership of the Commission with effect from May 1, 2024, is as follows:
 
Chairperson:
—————
Mr Samuel Chan Ka-yan
 
Members:
————
Mr Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung
Mr Calvin Chan Ka-wai
Ms Jennifer Chan Pui-kwan
Professor Fong Yuk-fai
Ms Sabrina Ho Shuk-ying
Mr Matthew Lam Kin-hong
Professor Vincent Lau Kin-nang
Mr Patrick Law Fu-yuen
Dr Billy Mak Sui-choi
Mr Roy Ng Chun-tat
Mr Webster Ng Kam-wah
Mr Jimmy Ng Wing-ka
Professor Anna Wong Wai-kwan
Mr Symon Wong Yu-wing
Mr Eric Xin Yue-sheng

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (April 26) that due to big waves and inclement weather, red flags have been hoisted at Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Hung Shing Yeh Beach in Islands District; and Hap Mun Bay Beach and Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Drainage Services Department (DSD) today (April 26) announced that the tender period for the contract for drainage improvement works in Wong Tai Sin (Contract No. DC/2024/03) has been extended to noon on May 17.

     The DSD invited tenders for the contract on March 22. The tender period was originally scheduled to expire at noon on May 3.

     The extension of the tender period was gazetted today. Details of the tender notice are available at the DSD's website (www.dsd.gov.hk/EN/Tender_Notices/Current_Tenders/index.html).

     The DSD has commissioned WSP (Asia) Limited to design and supervise the works. For enquiries, please call the company at 2579 8899 during office hours.