LegCo Panel on Development visited Tung Chung East reclamation site
As Chairman of the Panel on Development, I led the members to visit the Tung Chung East reclamation site on 1 April 2021 to learn about the progress of the reclamation works. Representatives of the engineering team explained that the deep cement mixing (DCM) method adopted in the works not only could minimise the impact on water quality and marine ecology in nearby waters, but also take a shorter time than the traditional method to complete the reclamation works, which could effectively expedite the supply of new land. Members also boarded the barge to observe the operation of DCM method and the progress of the reclamation works. The Tung Chung East reclamation works is expected to be completed within 2023. A total of 130 hectares of reclaimed land will be used for the Tung Chung New Town Extension.
Supports to approval by Standing Committee of National People's
Congress of amended Annex I and Annex II to Basic Law On 30 March 2021, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress approved the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Its Voting. The amendments improve the electoral system of the HKSAR, thereby establishing a political structure that upholds the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, reflects the actual situation of Hong Kong and ensures “patriots administering Hong Kong”.
Raised a question on employment market
On 17 March 2021, I raised a written question at LegCo and asked the Government whether it has assessed the short-term and long-term impacts of the epidemic on the local employment market and whether it will introduce more facilitation measures to attract innovation and technology talents to come to Hong Kong for career development. The Government replied that it will launch the Global STEM Professorship Scheme to strengthen support for the universities to attract world-renowned innovation and technology scholars; it has also extended the eligibility of the Research Talent Hub, allowing holders of a bachelor or master degree in a STEM-related discipline awarded by a well-recognised non-local institution to join the Hub. For my question and the Government’s reply, please visit the website at https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202103/17/P2021031700200.htm?fontSize=3
Raised a question on new railway projects
On 24 March 2021, I raised a written question and asked the Government about the delay in the implementation of railway projects of the Tuen Mun South Extension of the West Rail and the Northern Link and Kwu Tung Station. I also asked the latest progress of the implementation of the proposal for establishing the Railways Department under the Transport and Housing Bureau. The Government replied that railway projects set out in the Railway Development Strategy 2014 will be subject to the outcome of detailed engineering, environmental and financial studies relating to each project. The Government will seek the approval of the Finance Committee in the 2021-22 Legislative Session to establish the Railways Department in the 2022-23 financial year. For my question and the Government’s reply, please visit the website at https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202103/24/P2021032400269.htm?fontSize=3
Building Drainage System Repair Subsidy Scheme
I have been concerned about the management and sanitation of old buildings, especially the "three-nil buildings”, and have repeatedly urged the Government to actively provide assistance. At the meeting of Panel on Development on 23 March 2021, the Government briefed members on the proposal to launch the “Building Drainage System Repair Subsidy Scheme” (DRS) with a nonrecurrent commitment of HK$1 billion. It is expected the funding scheme would benefit owners of over 3,000 old and dilapidated domestic buildings in repairing and/or upgrading the drains of their buildings. Subject to passage of the Appropriation Bill 2021, the Government plans to launch the DRS in May 2021.
Funding projects approved in the PWSC and the FC
On 19 March 2021, the Finance Committee (FC) approved a funding request of HK$1.6 billion for providing funding to the Ocean Park Corporation to support its operation and implementation of the future strategy for Ocean Park. On 26 March 2021, a funding proposal of HK$15 billion for introducing a new 100% Personal Loan Guarantee Scheme was approved to providing 100% guarantee for concessionary low-interest loans taken out by eligible borrowers.
On 24 March 2021, the Public Works Subcommittee (PWSC) approved a funding project of HK$44.2 billion for the West New Territories Landfill extension to meet the waste disposal needs of Hong Kong in the short to medium term. Another project of HK$4.7 billion was also approved to upgrade West Kowloon transfer station and Island West and Island East transfer stations on the same day. The projects together with the others would be forwarded to the FC for final funding approval.