During holidays, many people like to visit countryside to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hong Kong is home to the world-famous Geopark, marine parks, historical heritage, eco-tourism attractions, etc. which are extremely popular among tourists. However, many of these attractions are located in remote areas without road linkage and are only accessible by sea. This year, the Government formulated the Pier Improvement Programme (PIP). The first phase covers about 10 public piers in the New Territories and on the outlying islands. We wish to enhance their structural safety and improve the existing facilities as soon as possible, facilitate the public to visit the attractions, and meet the basic operational needs of villagers and fishermen……

Members of political team of the new Government have gradually assumed office. Since taking office more than a month ago, I have gradually started working on various projects and can truly feel the numerous challenges and enormous responsibilities ahead. During my recent district visits to meet the public, I realised that there is rising public expectation on the Government and we must respond swiftly and accurately to the aspirations of various parties. As described by those outside the Government, the Development Bureau (DEVB) always has to handle a lot of “hot potatoes”, such as land use planning, brownfield site controversies, new town development, reclamation and land formation, works supervision as well as built heritage conservation. Therefore, I have long felt the heat of this hot kitchen whether as the Secretary or a civil servant in my former capacity……

To continuously improve citizens’ quality of life, enhance Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness and promote our economic development, the Government has been implementing a wide range of public works projects in an orderly manner. Along with other places in the world that are striving to enhance the quality and performance of construction projects through continuous improvements to project management, Hong Kong has been developing world-class infrastructures, and in the quest we cannot afford to become content and should reinforce our strengths to maintain the leading edge. The Development Bureau (DEVB) has all along been promoting “collaborative partnership” in the implementation of public works projects, including the adoption of the “New Engineering Contract” (NEC) form to enhance management efficiency and cost effectiveness, thereby introducing a new project management culture in the construction industry. The NEC form has been implemented in public works projects for some time and it has begun to blossom and bear fruit with encouraging results……

On the morning of 18 July, Tai Po District recorded an hourly rainfall of 70 to 80 millimetres (i.e. reaching the level of black rainstorm signal) for consecutive two hours, resulting in serious flooding in Ting Kok Village and Tai Mei Tuk Village. After the incidents, a number of departments provided immediate assistance and support to villagers being affected. Few days ago (21 July), I visited the two villages and listened to the requests of villagers and explained to them the relieving works by departments in order to ease their concerns. In the past few days, the Drainage Services Department (DSD), the Buildings Department (BD), the Water Supplies Department and the Tai Po District Office have spared no effort in dealing with the aftermath of the flooding, including urgent repairs to the damaged river sections and removal of boulders and debris washed down from upstream, so as to restore the drainage capacity of the river as soon as possible……

A number of major infrastructure projects have been completed progressively since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. Not only do they promote economic development and improve the livelihood of local residents, but also enhance Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness. Among these is the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point (LT/HYW BCP) - the seventh land-based border crossing between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, which is expected to be completed by the end of next year. Here I would like to introduce the work progress of this brand new control point and its benefits to be brought to the society......