CE pledges to enhance environment in the older districts

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today visited several old districts and services centres for the mentally-challenged to hear more opinions of members of the community. In the morning, Mr Chui strolled through Rua de Cinco de Outubro where the Hong Kung Temple is located, as well as San Kio and other old districts. On the way, he chatted with residents and representatives of local organisations and listened to their concerns and views about policies on different subjects, as well as learning more about the current development of the districts, especially about transportation, cultural preservation and urban reconstruction. Mr Chui took some refreshments at a Cantonese-style restaurant and chatted with its customers and owners. Afterwards he attended a seminar to learn more about the views of organisations, business owners and residents. During a seminar, members of the community voiced their opinions about their livelihood, public hygiene, business environment, transport, parking, flooding, elderly services, wet market and revitalisation of the old districts, and urged the government for support. Mr Chui responded that he had learned that residents were concerned with issues about the infrastructure and revitalisation of old districts, and he pledged that the government would pay attention to these issues in the next policy address. He also said that he had taken note of the business environment of the commercial zone of Rua da Emenda and the government would make necessary adjustment to its renovation and management, after studies and communications with the residents. In the afternoon, the Chief Executive visited two rehabilitation centres to learn more about their daily operation. He said the government has the responsibility to take care of the needy and pledged to provide better services for the physically-challenged when he met with the staff from the centres after the visit. The people in charge and staff of the centres told Mr Chui that it was difficult to expand services due to the lack of human resources, places, and the increased rent. Mr Chui thanked the staff who have provided professional services to their clients. He stressed that the government would create good conditions for the service centres. Meanwhile the Social Welfare Bureau will implement a three-year plan to enhance rehabilitation facilities for the mentally-challenged, he said.