The groundbreaking ceremony for the first Light Public Housing (LPH) project was held this afternoon (February 19) at Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long, showcasing the determination and execution capability of the Government in addressing the housing problem.
 
     The Yau Pok Road project will provide about 2 100 LPH units, with intake expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025. The Housing Bureau (HB), the Architectural Services Department and the entire construction team are confident in meeting the target to complete the construction of about 30 000 LPH units by 2027-28 to improve the living conditions and quality of life at the soonest for those currently living in inadequate accommodation.
 
     Before the ceremony, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, accompanied by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, visited a mock-up unit of the LPH. They also listened to a progress report by the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Michael Li, and Assistant General Manager of Chevalier (Construction) Company Limited Mr John Chow (the representative of the main contractor, Chevalier – China Railway Joint Venture). Through a video conference with a representative of the Mainland manufacturer producing the LPH prefabricated modules, Site Manager of China Railway Construction Group Company Limited Mr Wang Shihao, it was learned that the Modular Integrated Construction approach has become increasingly mature. The smarter manufacturing and installation of modules has led to a better performance in respect of speed, quality and safety, etc.
 
     Mr Wong said that the Chief Executive proposed the breakthrough LPH in his Policy Address, to make good use of government and private land, of which long-term development plan will not be implemented in the near future to fill the short-term gap of public housing supply. The HB will announce application arrangements for the first phase of LPH in the second quarter of this year. Mr Wong thanked the support by the Legislative Council, members of the local community and Sun Hung Kai Properties, which lent the site at Yau Pok Road for free, as well as the hard work of the construction team and government colleagues. He said that their joint efforts give hope to the public, especially to those families who are living in subdivided units and are waiting for public rental housing.
 
     Afterwards, Mr Wong; Ms Ho; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Permanent Secretary for Housing, Miss Rosanna Law; the Under Secretary for Housing, Mr Victor Tai; Mr Li; Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties Mr Adam Kwok; the Chairman and Managing Director of the Chevalier Group, Mr Kuok Hoi-sang; and the Chairman of the China Railway Construction Group Company Limited, Mr Mei Hongliang, officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony and expressed their wishes for a smooth start to the construction work.
 
     The first batch of LPH, providing a total of about 17 000 LPH units, comprises the four projects located at Yau Pok Road in Yuen Long, Tuen Mun Area 3A, Choi Hing Road in Ngau Tau Kok and Olympic Avenue in Kai Tak, with their construction work having already commenced at full speed. Apart from the Yau Pok Road project, the other three are expected to be completed in phases from the second quarter of 2025 to the third quarter of 2026. A variety of community support offerings, including public transport facilities and routes (such as bus stop and minibus stop in the Yau Pok Road project), daily services (such as retail and social welfare) etc will be available in the projects for residents and the community at large. For grassroots citizens paying high rents for poor living conditions, LPH is definitely more affordable, safer, more comfortable, and is also a good option for a more dignified life.
 
     Preparatory work for the second batch of about 13 000 LPH units are moving ahead at full steam. The HB will seek funding approval from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council by the end of this month so that the units' construction can begin as soon as possible.

                

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Kwai Chung Hospital (KCH) made the following announcement today (February 19):

     Five patients (aged 35 to 60) in a male psychiatric ward have presented with fever or respiratory symptoms since February 14. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and their test results were positive to Influenza A. The patients concerned are being treated in isolation. All the patients are in stable condition.

     Admission to the ward has been suspended. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the wards are under close surveillance.

     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

     The Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) under the Environment and Ecology Bureau will launch a roving exhibition entitled "Explore the Enchanting Countryside" tomorrow (February 20) to showcase the culture and natural ecology of Hong Kong's countryside areas, encourage the public to explore the beauty of Hong Kong's countryside villages, and enhance public understanding and awareness of countryside conservation.
 
     The exhibition has incorporated traditional design elements of revolving lanterns to vividly present the stories of countryside revitalisation and ecological conservation. The exhibition comprises five zones, namely the Countryside Indulgence zone, showcasing scenery of the countryside; the Architecture for Village Revitalisation zone, presenting the aesthetics of village architecture; the Agricultural Land Rehabilitation zone, offering an experience of farming culture; the Wonders of Biodiversity zone, providing an opportunity to learn about Hong Kong's wildlife; and the Ecological Conservation zone, which allows visitors to explore wetland birds.
 
     Visitors can view architectural models, participate in lively and entertaining virtual reality games and parent-child games, learn about culture and natural habitats in countryside areas in an interactive manner, as well as take pictures in the photo-taking zones.
 
     The roving exhibition will be held from tomorrow to February 25 at L1 Area A, D·PARK, and from February 27 to March 3 at 1/F, Stars Atrium, Plaza Hollywood, from noon to 8pm. Admission is free of charge. For details of the exhibition, please visit the Facebook page of the CCO (www.facebook.com/countrysideconservationhk).

            

Attention TV and 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 (February 19) that due to the sighting of a suspected red tide, the red flag has been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach until further notice.

     â€‹The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) promoted Hong Kong's strengths and vibrancy at the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival held in Sydney, Australia, from February 16 to 18.

     Over 200 teams and 3 500 paddlers competed in various races during the three-day event in Darling Harbour. The Sydney ETO formed a team with the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney for the first time to compete on February 16, showcasing this Chinese traditional sport to the public in Australia.

     The Sydney ETO set up a marquee during the Dragon Boat Festival to promote the latest developments in Hong Kong, notably the exciting international sports events held in the city and various talent attraction initiatives rolled out by the Government. Souvenirs carrying the Brand Hong Kong theme were very well received.

     Speaking at the award presentation ceremony of the Dragon Boat Festival, the Director of the Sydney ETO, Miss Trista Lim, said that the Sydney ETO has been supporting the Festival for years to showcase Chinese culture to the local community. She also took the chance to promote Hong Kong's dynamism as Asia's Events Capital, noting that a wide variety of mega events will be held in the city, including the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races to be held in June this year.

     Miss Lim presented trophies of the Hong Kong Talent Cup, the Hong Kong Vibrant Cup and the Hong Kong Metropolis Cup at the ceremony.

     The Sydney Lunar Festival, organised by the City of Sydney, is one of the largest celebrations of the Lunar New Year outside Asia. Spanning from February 10 to 25 this year, the celebration features an array of programmes including a lantern display, cultural performances and drone shows.

     The Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival, which is the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere, was a highlight of the Sydney Lunar Festival, attracting tens of thousands of spectators.

     â€‹The Sydney ETO also displayed Hong Kong-themed banners with new year greetings in major locations across Sydney during the festive period.