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would like to ask as ASD has charged 16% on-cost on the Council, can we ask for some compensation as so many mistakes have been made? Thank you Mr. Chairman.
MR. ALBERT POON SHUN-KWOK (in Cantonese):-Concerning the 16% on-cost, this is an arrangement between the Urban Council and the Government. As to whether we can recover this on cost because of the mistakes made, we have to know what the responsibility lies from the report and then to examine this possibility.
7. THE HON. LI WAH-MING asked the following question (in Cantonese):-
(a) Whether the UC facilities, such as the Cultural Centre, the Science Museum and the Hong Kong Park, are designed to cater for the handicapped as well? (b) At which of the existing UC facilities and venues have special arrangements been made to reserve parking space for those handicapped who wish to drive to join the activities held there? What are the actual arrangements? (c) Could the Council conduct an overall study on its facilities to see if further improvement can be made to facilitate the use of the handicapped drivers?
MR. ALBERT POON SHUN-KWOK, CHAIRMAN OF THE CAPITAL WORKS SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in Cantonese):—Yes, Council facilities, such as the Cultural Centre, the Science Museum and the Hong Kong Park, are all designed to cater for the handicapped as well.
Even though the Urban Council is exempted from complying with the statutory requirements specified in the Building (Planning) Regulations (Chapter 123, subsidiary legislation) made under section 38 of the Building Ordinance, regarding design requirements for gaining access to, and use of a building and its facilities by disabled persons, it is Council policy to ensure that such requirements are fully met. Indeed, whenever possible, the Council provides higher standards to ensure increased safety and mobility, especially for the severely disabled, and to provide better convenience for the public in general.
As regards open recreational spaces, it is also Council's policy to cater to the needs of the handicapped. This is done by way of providing approach ramps, dropped kerbs and specially designed toilet facilities, for the convenience of the handicapped.
On the question of parking arrangements for the handicapped who wish to drive to the Urban Council venues, there are two venues with parking spaces specifically reserved. These are the Hong Kong Coliseum and the Sheung Wan Civic Centre. At other venues, such as the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Science Museum and City Hall, handicapped drivers can reserve spaces by calling the facility's management in advance. On their arrival, every possible assistance is provided.
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As suggested by Mr. Li, the department will be requested to review existing arrangements with a view to improving the car parking arrangement for the disabled.
THE HON. LI WAH-MING (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, regarding Hong Kong Coliseum and Sheung Wan Civic Centre, how many parking spaces have been reserved for the handicapped and what was the usage rate in the past year? Moreover, concerning the reservation of parking spaces as well as contacting the management staff to reserve parking spaces, have special publicity measures been stepped up so that the handicapped can know how to use such services?
MR. ALBERT POON SHUN-KWOK (in Cantonese):--Regarding the number of parking spaces reserved, I do not have the information in hand. I will provide the information to Mr. Li afterwards. Concerning publicity as mentioned by Mr. Li, at present we are looking into the feasibility of providing improved services for the handicapped to park their vehicles. After we have made the study, we will try to step up publicity for such special service.
MR. MA LEE-WO (in Cantonese):-I have several questions for Mr. Poon to answer. First, according to Mr. Poon's answer, the Urban Council has been exempted from complying with the building regulations concerning provision of facilities for the disabled. I want to know why we have been exempted and whether such exemption is necessary? Secondly, even though we have been exempted, we have tried to follow the requirements of the regulations. There appears to be some contradictions here. I want to know what measures have been taken to ensure that the needs of the disabled are fully looked after in our building projects. Can any examples be cited to let the general public know? Thirdly, concerning special services for the disabled, apart from parking services, we do need to improve other special facilities including the exits and entrances, toilets as well as the seating arrangements. I want to know whether the Committee concerned will review the present practice and consider giving up our exemption status. The Select Committee should also provide a comprehensive care and service for the disabled so that such people can be encouraged to use our venues.
MR. ALBERT POON SHUN-KWOK (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, this exemption is in accordance with the design requirements stipulated by Building Ordinance. The Urban Council is exempted from observing the rules. However, I can tell Mr. MA that even though the Urban Council is exempted, the Council provides higher standard than those stipulated by the law. As to how we can guarantee that we are actually striving for higher standards, the Capital Works Select Committee whenever studying the design of individual Urban Council project, will pay particular attention to facilities for the disabled and the ASD will have to follow at least the minimum requirements of the law even though this Council has been exempted. As regards the question by Mr. MA whether we have any other facilities such as seating arrangement etc. in addition to parking services for the disabled, I hope that when we have examined the
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