Steering Committee on District Governance convenes fourth meeting (with photos)

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired the fourth meeting of the Steering Committee on District Governance today (January 21) to steer and direct various bureaux and departments in formulating strategies on issues of district concern and to follow up on the implementation progress of the eight key district initiatives identified at the first three meetings.

     Mr Chan said, "With the full implementation of the improved district governance system, the work on district governance has accelerated and become more effective over the past year. Strengthening measures have been introduced across various key areas, covering the elderly and children, environmental hygiene, public security, housing estate environment, road facilities and safety, as well as digital inclusion, achieving substantial results. The Steering Committee will continue to steer bureaux and departments to focus on resolving livelihood issues for the well-being of the people."

     At the meeting, the Steering Committee discussed a number of district issues of public concern and directed the relevant bureaux and departments to strive to further enhance the community environment and facilities, including (i) improving lighting and ventilation, among others, at public transport interchanges to provide a more comfortable waiting environment for citizens; (ii) stepping up the cleaning of stains and moss on pedestrian walkways to continuously improve the city environment; (iii) strengthening patrols, law enforcement, publicity and education targeted at blackspots of air-conditioners dripping water from buildings this summer to ensure environmental hygiene; and (iv) strengthening thematic plantings to enhance urban landscape aesthetics and attractiveness.

     The Steering Committee also followed up at the meeting on the progress of the eight district initiatives previously identified, namely (1) expanding after-school care services 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; and (8) caring for the elderly and promoting digital inclusion.

     In accordance with the overall strategies set by the Steering Committee on District Governance, the Task Force on District Governance, chaired by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, will continue to co-ordinate bureaux and departments in taking forward the various district initiatives to raise people's standard of living with concrete results and enhance their sense of achievement, satisfaction and security.