The Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, visited Sai Kung today (May 29) to understand the latest developments in the district.
Accompanied by Sai Kung District Council Chairman, Mr Ng Sze-fuk, and Sai Kung District Officer, Mr Peter Chan, Mrs Lam first toured the Sai Kung Old Town and received a briefing on the progress of a revitalisation project undertaken by the Hong Kong Housing Society.
The project aims to promote tourism and enhance the living environment in the old town area. It covers improvements to the streetscape and erection of directional signs to showcase the history of the old town. The open area outside the historic Tin Hau Temple will also be turned into a multi-purpose piazza for festive celebrations.
Mrs Lam then went to the Sai Kung waterfront and the Sai Kung New Public Pier, where she was briefed by the District Planning Officer and the Civil Engineering and Development Department's Project Manager (New Territories East) on the planned developments in Sai Kung Town, which include further beautification and extension of the waterfront promenade, provision of an open plaza for street performances and public gathering, and the setting up of a town square accommodating a visitor centre, heritage exhibition gallery, souvenir shops, cafeterias and restaurants.
Mrs Lam also had a tea gathering with Sai Kung District Councillors at a restaurant in the promenade to exchange views on various district issues.
She then went to visit the Tiu Keng Leng Temporary Cycling Park in Tseung Kwan O. Opened in August last year, the cycling park is the first district minor works project taken forward by the Sai Kung District Council and Sai Kung District Office under the pilot scheme to involve the District Council in the management of district facilities. It is also a successful example of converting vacant government sites into community and leisure venues for enjoyment by the public.
Mrs Lam was also briefed on the latest infrastructure developments in Tseung Kwan O, which included the proposed Cross Bay Link, Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel and planned development at Town Centre South.
Before ending her tour, Mrs Lam visited Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground at 109 Po Hong Road. With environmentally friendly design and facilities, the sports ground will serve as the venue for the track and field events of the 2009 East Asian Games to be held in December and a base for athletics training.
Ends/Friday, May 29, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:30
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