Working Reports
WK Lo’s LegCo Express (April 2016)
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WK LO's LegCo Express
April 2016
1. Recorded Letter to Hong Kong on the RTHK
I was invited to record “Letter to Hong Kong” by the RTHK on 22 April. You are welcome to listen to the recording and view the script via the link:
2. Raised question regarding duties of Permanent Secretary for Environment and Director of Environmental Protection
On 20 April, I raised a written question to the Government regarding duties of Permanent Secretary for Environment and Director of Environmental Protection (DEP). Since 2007, these two offices have been taken up by the same person. Some members of the community are concerned about the role conflicts arising from one person performing the dual roles of policy formulation and execution. I asked if the authorities would consider reverting to the previous practice of appointing different persons to take up the two offices and filling the DEP post with a professional grade staff, so as to ensure the impartiality of DEP in performing the relevant duties. The question and answer can be read via this link:
3. Endorsed funding proposal of Phase III (Package C) of the District Cooling System at the Kai Tak development in the Public Works Subcommittee (PWSC)
At the PWSC meeting on 13 April, members were invited to recommend to Finance Committee to increase the approved project estimate by $153.7 million, from $3,752 million to $3,905.7 million for implementing Phase III (Package C) of the District Cooling System at the Kai Tak development (KTD). The proposed scope of works under Phase IIIC comprises laying chilled water distribution pipe networks at a length of about 1 600 metres to match with the construction programme in KTD, for completion in 2020. The item was approved by the Finance Committee on 29 April.
4. Discussed the item of “Wi-Fi Connected City” at the panel meeting on Information Technology and Broadcasting (ITB)
The item of “Wi-Fi Connected City” was discussed at the Panel meeting on ITB on 11 April. The Government sought Members’ support to build Hong Kong as a Wi-Fi connected city by extending free public Wi-Fi services provided at government and other public venues through a multi-pronged approach. In the second half of 2016, the Government will conduct a pilot project of adopting the public-private collaboration model for the provision of free Wi-Fi service to the public at some selected government venues with high patronage. It is estimated that a total expenditure of $500 million will be required for implementing the proposal. The Government will seek funding approval from the FC in May 2016.
5. Discussed runway capacity and Pearl River Delta Region airspace management
On 12 April, at the meeting of Subcommittee to Follow Up Issues Relating to the Three-runway System (3RS) at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the Government addressed issues relating to the runway capacity of HKIA, including the constraints faced by the current two-runway system, and the airspace management plan for the Pearl River Delta region to ensure the compatibility of the future 3RS with other airports in the region. To enhance handling capacity of HKIA, various initiatives including West Apron Expansion and Midfield Development Project were taken forward. The Government will continue to explore feasible measures to stretch the runway capacity of the existing Two-runway System.
6. Development Strategy for Lantau
On 16 April, the Panel on Development discussed the item of development strategy for Lantau. The Lantau Development Advisory Committee (LanDAC) has published its first-term work report “Space for All” on 10 January 2016. The Public Engagement was launched on 31 January 2016 for three months until 30 April 2016. On 26 April, the Panel also discussed the establishment of the Lantau Development Office (LDO) and the re-organisation of existing development offices of Civil Engineering and Development Department. The Government sought support to establish LDO as soon as possible so as to continue various works and studies and take the work plan to the next stage.
7. Suspected illegal land filling in Tin Shui Wai
On 25 April, the Panel on Environmental Affairs discussed the case of suspected illegal land filling in Tin Shui Wai. The Administration is conducting a trial on the application of the global positioning system ("GPS") to track dump trucks with a view to preventing illegal dumping. The Government has set up an inter-departmental coordination mechanism led by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to strengthen the monitoring of illegal waste dumping condition, facilitate the exchange of intelligence, and coordinate control actions.