HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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gives an impression that the Council is evasive and intends to procrastinate indefinitely. In the coming October, we may ‘raise our own allowance' again as usual. I hereby request the Working Party concerned to expedite their work. I also request the Standing Committee to give more constructive opinions in order to work out a more transparent and accountable allowance system as soon as possible.
2. Promoting the development of sports and enhancing the standard of sports in HK
The majority of local sports venues and facilities are managed by the Urban Council. With its huge amount of subsidies for various sports activities, the Council should be able to exercise greater influence and formulate policies on the development of sports and the enhancement of the standard of sports. However, during the last 9 months, I have not seen the Recreation Select Committee or the Sports Activities Sub-Committee discuss any of these issues.
The 3 current practices adopted by the Council and the Department are: (a) Liaison work with various National Sports Associations (NSAs) and other day-to-day matters are handled or administrated by different departmental staff respectively;
(b) Informal luncheons are attended by representatives from the Department, Sub-Committees and NSAs, but the items discussed have never been reported to the relevant Sub-Committees or Select Committees; and (c) There has been no discussion or formulation of sports development plans and policies with various NSAs. Meetings with individual NSAs are held only when there are major activities.
I hope that the Sub-Committee will turn the informal luncheons into formal tripartite meetings attended by the Department, NSAs and Urban Councillors. I also suggest that a 'Working Group on Five Year Development Plan on Recreation and Sports' should be formed under the Recreation Select Committee. The aim of this is to create a normal and systematic tie between the Council and NSAs and to formulate long-term sports development plans and enhance the standard of sports in Hong Kong with the impetus given by the Council.
3. Minimising Urban Council Capital Work Project Delays
In just 9 months since the publication of the April 95 Monthly Report on Capital Projects under Construction, a total of 33 projects have been found to be behind schedule, involving approved funds amounting to $1.8119 billion. From the preparation of the schedule of accommodation and the approval of layout plans to the commencement and completion of works, the slippage has been a few months to a few years. The Council has been attacked by the public for the improper use of government funds and for depriving the public of their right to enjoy the facilities. In view of this, I have strongly
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