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But in Hong Kong we do have the special difficulty of how strangers can be brought together to live in densely populated high-rise buildings and yet get to know each other, live in harmony and feel secure. The design of buildings. can help. But human and psychological problems, and problems of organisation are more important, and particularly that of how residents communicate with public services affecting their daily lives. I believe that these problems can best be overcome
by well-run and active Mutual Aid Committees selected by the residents themselves and with means of easy contact with the Government departments that can advise
and assist them.
There is also a more general problem of individual loneliness, boredom, and lack of understanding of the wider community which can have serious social and psychological effects particularly among young people. One way in which this is being tackled is through the Community Youth Officers of the Social Welfare Department. This service has operated for 21⁄2 years in all 10 City Districts and also in Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long, and has proved a great success in providing co-ordination and assistance for community and youth groups and in promoting civic sense.
Another approach is through the Recreation and Sports Service. This has made a good start in organising the better use of recreational and sports and leisure facilities and in encouraging new ones for all walks and ages of life. It was first started in 6 districts and it is now being expanded to all 17 districts in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories and has just opened the first camp of its own at the Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre.
The enthusiasts running these popular and effective services are doing all we could expect of them and they will be given the resources they need.
Hon. Members, what I have said implies both an admission and a grand design. The admission is that programmes for the provision of security, housing, education and health services, a social welfare net, and provision of recreational facilities, are not enough in this community which is so densely packed and subject to such rapid demographic changes. We must actively plan, organise and encourage the building of our community and its channels of communication
with its Government.