Constitution and Administration 11
automated waste collection system, as well as the use of recycling rainwater for irrigation purpose, all these demonstrate how the Legislative Council and its members care about the environment and treasure the natural resources.
District Administration
The District Administration Scheme started in 1982 with the establishment of a District Board and a District Management Committee in each district. Through the scheme, the Government promotes public participation in district affairs and fosters a sense of belonging and mutual care among the people of Hong Kong. The scheme also helps to ensure that the Government is responsive to district needs and problems. Following a 1998 review of the structure and functions of district organisations, District Boards were renamed District Councils (DC) in 2000 to underline their important role in reflecting public opinion and monitoring the delivery of public services at district level.
The fourth term of the DCs will commence on January 1, 2012. There are a total of 507 members, including 412 elected members, 68 appointed members and 27 ex officio members (chairmen of rural committees in the New Territories), in the councils. The term of office of these council members is four years starting from January 2012.
The main function of the DCs is to advise the Government on matters affecting the well-being of the people living and working in the districts as well as on the provision and use of public facilities and services within the districts. The Government also consults the DCs on a wide range of issues. The DCs carry out district minor works projects and community involvement projects.
The Government conducted a review of DC functions and composition in 2006 and launched in 2007 a pilot scheme that sought to strengthen the role of the DCs in managing some district facilities. A series of measures to improve district work was implemented by the Government in January 2008 in partnership with all 18 DCs. In addition, the Government has allocated annual provision of $300 million for DCs to carry out community involvement activities and another $300 million for district minor works projects.
Also in January 2010, a one-off funding of $180 million was approved for a 'Vibrant People, Harmonious Community Activities' programme, of which $108 million was allocated to 18 DCs to help local organisations launch a wide variety of community activities with themes such as 'Sports for All', 'Arts for All', 'Cultural/ Ecological Tourism for All' and 'Care for All'. The remaining funds were allocated to Government departments to co-ordinate the launching of cross-district or cross- sector community activities, to employ contract staff to help the councils carry out those tasks and for publicity. About 1 000 activities were organised under the programme in 2010 and 2011, and community response was positive.