Tung Chee Hwa, chief executive of the Hongkong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Saturday thanked members of the District Councils (DCs) for having served as a bridge between the government and the public.
Speaking at a function to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the District Administration Scheme, Tung said that the DCs for years have served as a communication conduit between members of the public and the government in helping to explain government's policies and actions while reflecting their constituents' hopes and needs to the relevant government departments.
"They collect and reflect to the government public views on issues affecting the districts and Hong Kong as a whole, organize various kinds of community activities and push forward environmental improvement works and other minor works programs in local districts," he said.
"In recent years, the DCs have afforded active support and great assistance to the government in launching new initiatives under various policy objectives," Tung said.
Referring to the inter-departmental Working Group of District Council Review chaired by the Home Affairs Bureau, Tung expressed confidence that the group's recommendations would "further enhance the functions of District Councils."
"With the new initiatives in place, it is hoped that the District Councils can play a more effective role in monitoring the delivery of government services and improving our people's quality of life," the chief executive said.
Officiating the opening of the 20th Anniversary Celebration of District Administration Seminar Saturday morning, Donald Tsang, secretary for administration of the Hong Kong SAR, revealed that a one-stop service will be set up at some departments to respond to District Councilors' inquiries and complaints.
Tsang said that government departments will actively consult DCs in deciding on district-level works projects, their implementation priority and measures which will impact on their respective districts.
The seminar and the luncheon to mark the 20th of the District Administration Scheme attracted more than 500 District Council members and Area Committee Chairmen and about 40 policy secretaries and department heads.
District Council members and government officials discussed topics, which centered on the theme "Future Development of District Councils."
These topics covered the operational efficiency of District Councils, the image of District Councils, cooperation between District Councils and local organizations and the functions of District Councils.
(People's Daily December 9, 2001)
