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PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
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already represented. The problem of communication lies in the rank of attending officers. Except for the two Municipal Services Departments represented by officers at the rank of assistant director, representatives of other departments are below that rank. As such, those officers have no authority for decision making due to their rank, representation and accountability. So when they return to their workplace, they may not be capable of bringing their respective departments to keep in pace. I am here pinpointing the problem. Departments should send officers with decision-making authority to attend meetings of the Joint Steering Committee for better coordination with the two Municipal Councils and better results. I think I should emphasize the above as the problem.
The Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign has been ongoing for 26 years and there is still a lot of room for improvement. One problem lies with the supervision of private contractors by the Urban Services Department. A major portion of street cleaning and park cleaning work is now contracted out. I mentioned before at another session that cleaners working for private contractors were seriously exploited. Some labour groups have disclosed that these cleaners are paid $100 per day. At this level, one cannot earn enough to feed one's family. Many people have to get part-time jobs. You can imagine what kind of performance they can make if they take up two or one and a half jobs.
Are there really problems with supervision by the Urban Services Department? Do we have a system of close monitoring to deal with unsatisfactory cleaning work by cleaners whereby contractors can be replaced? In fact, the same problem is met by the Housing Department. The cleaning work in over 100 housing estates of the Housing Department is contracted out. Very often, the lowest offer is accepted so that unsatisfactory situations result. I think this problem needs to be pointed out too.
Members of the Democratic Party are represented on the Joint Steering Committee. We pointed out that the two Municipal Councils had spent $7.4 million last year on the Campaign. That is not a small sum. We suggested not spending several hundred thousand to one million dollars on one evening of variety show on TV. Actually, I have reservations about the effect of such a show. Is it not better to spend the same amount on an activity participated in by many more people? We did mention the above at the meeting, but it seems the decision was to continue to stage similar shows. I just think our comments have not been accepted.
The Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign has to go on; we just think there is a need to take an overall review of the Campaign. Mr. CHAN mentioned that too. We support it absolutely because we feel the same way. The last review was conducted eight years ago. It is time for us to carry out a review on the effectiveness of the Campaign. If it is found to be unsatisfactory or even wanting in areas, we should review ourselves and improve.
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