WK LO's LegCo Express (Nov 2020)
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WK Lo’s LegCo Express
Nov 2020
1. CE delivered the Policy Address 2020
The Chief Executive delivered the Policy Address 2020 on 25 Nov, which adopted more than 110 recommendations made by the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, including launch of the "Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme", abolishing Doubled Ad Valorem Stamp Duty on non-residential property transactions, implementation of Tai Hang Sai Estate Redevelopment, expediting the implementation of the cross-boundary wealth management connect scheme, launching smart city blueprint 2.0, etc. I urged the Government to speed up the new railway projects and the study on comprehensive transportation strategy as soon as possible, so as to facilitate people's livelihood and provide more job opportunities for the engineering and construction industry.
2. Conducted the Greater Bay Area Youth e-channel Report
On 19 Nov, in response to the current obstacles faced by Hong Kong young people to go north for employment, I held a press conference with some other LegCo members to propose the establishment of "Greater Bay Area Youth e-channel”. We put forward ten suggestions, aiming at reducing and removing obstacles for Hong Kong young people to seek opportunities to study, work and live in the Greater Bay Area.
3. Funding projects approved in the PWSC and the FC
On 18 Nov, four public works proposals were endorsed at the meeting of PWSC. A project of $4,137.0 million was approved for the construction of the Water Supplies Department Headquarters with the Hong Kong and Islands Regional Office and the Correctional Services Department Headquarters Building in Chai Wan. Another project of $2,157.5 million was also approved for the construction of the Drainage Services Department Office Building at Cheung Sha Wan Sewage Pumping Station. These projects together with the others would be forwarded to the FC for final funding approval.
On 4 Dec, the FC approved the project of $550.4 million to engage consultants to conduct the studies related to artificial islands in the Central Waters and the associated site investigation works.
4. Raised an oral question of Coping with the Coronavirus Disease 2019
I raised an oral question of coping with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 at the council meeting on 11 Nov. I asked the Government the details about studying of introduction of a rapid nucleic acid test for COVID-19 at the airport and all boundary control points, as well as whether it will allocate additional resources to promote the collaboration between local universities and research institutions in the research and development of rapid test kits, vaccines and drugs for COVID-19. The Government replied that a trial run of a nucleic acid test using reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) technique began at HKIA on October 28. The Government has approved a total funding of $47 million to support four local universities to conduct 11 studies relating to the testing methods, vaccines and antivirals of COVID-19.
For my oral question and Government’s reply, please visit the link below:
5. Raised a written question of Facilitating Hong Kong's integration into Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
On 18 Nov, I raised a written question on facilitating Hong Kong's integration into Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. I urged the Government to facilitate the linking up of Hong Kong's railway network with the railway networks of the Mainland cities within the Greater Bay Area and explain the measures to increase the flow of people, goods, capital and information within the Greater Bay Area. The Government replied that it will pursue the detailed implementation of the 24 measures announced after the Leading Group meetings last year and will continue to seek breakthroughs in various policy areas to strengthen Hong Kong's role in taking forward the development of the Greater Bay Area.
For my written question and Government’s reply, please visit the link below:
6. Subcommittee on Seven Pieces of Subsidiary Legislation Relating to Fee Waiving or Concession Measures for the Construction Sector
The Government introduced seven pieces of subsidiary legislation relating to fee waiving or concession measures for the construction sector. It gives effect to the extension of the existing waivers or concessions and to provide legal backing for new waivers. A Subcommittee was set up to scrutiny on the legislation. I support the fee waivers and have joined the Subcommittee in Nov.
7. Bills Committee Formed on 16 October 2020 to Study the Waste Disposal (Charging for Municipal Solid Waste) (Amendment) Bill 2018
The Bill seeks to amend the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap. 354) and the Waste Disposal (Refuse Transfer Station) Regulation (Cap. 354M) to establish a charging scheme for the disposal of municipal solid waste. It is the continuing of the Bills Committee on Waste Disposal (Charging for Municipal Solid Waste) (Amendment) Bill 2018. I joined the Bills Committee in Nov.
