The Chief Secretary for Administration (CS), Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (January 31) attended the third meeting of the Task Force on District Governance chaired by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing. Mr Chan instructed bureaux and departments to make good preparations for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Mr Chan said, "This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. All bureaux and departments must work together to make good preparations for the National Day celebration in an all-round manner by planning an array of diversified activities, with a view to creating a lively festive atmosphere in Hong Kong and fostering people's sense of patriotism."
The Steering Committee on District Governance chaired by the CS had earlier formulated strategies in relation to two new district issues at its second meeting. The Task Force discussed the implementation details and progress as follows:
(1) Enhancing the walking experience for citizens and creating a pedestrian-friendly environment
The Highways Department (HyD) will select footbridges and subways for renovation and beautification works, including addition of barrier-free facilities and upgrading of safety facilities such as handrails and lighting, with a view to creating a streetscape that blends in with the surroundings. The HyD will also install bench railings for citizens to sit and rest briefly at suitable locations on a trial basis. The above work is targeted to commence before mid-2024.
(2) Improving the environment of public housing estates and creating comfortable homes
The Housing Department (HD) will roll out estate improvement works for their 15 public rental housing (PRH) estates in phases starting from the first quarter of 2024. The works aim to make improvements having regard to the characteristics of the estates, and create a comfortable living environment for residents conducive to neighbourhood interactions. To tie in with the above project, the HD will work with relevant departments to carry out concurrent upgrading works for the peripheral areas and government facilities of selected PRH estates.
Apart from the two new district issues, the Task Force has also examined the progress of the five district initiatives formulated at the first meeting of the Steering Committee, namely: (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 combatting crimes on all fronts; and (5) improving pedestrian facilities and ensuring road safety. Mr Cheuk was briefed by the relevant departments on their work and said he was pleased to note the orderly implementation of the various district items. He instructed the various departments and District Councils to continuously enhance the efficacy of governance at the district level through the strengthened district governance structure, so that the Government's district services can be more effective and efficient, and duly respond to people's demand.
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