Page 510 of 606
5.
6.
7.
PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
437
some less essential expenditure, rationalizing on our staff structure and re-adjustments of the timetable of our capital works programme. We are satisfied to note that so far all these stringent measures are taking effect, and we do hope that we will end up with a balanced budget at the end of the triennium.
Care for the commercial sector and the public
The recent downturn of Hong Kong's economy because of the Asian financial turmoil has resulted in difficulties in slowdown of Hong Kong economy and retail trade. The Council has taken very sympathetic consideration to users of our venues and services. Despite of our financial constraints, we have decided to alleviate the pains of Hong Kong commercial sector by freezing rental in some cases, reducing license fees or market rentals in others. We hope that we have echoed the Central Government's intention to alleviate the grievances and hardship of the public.
Hi-tech, high-temperature incinerator
Over the years, the Council has more than several times carried motions to urge the Government to install high-tech, high-temperature incinerator for the disposal of domestic waste in Hong Kong. This will solve the problem of the lack of landfill space for landfilling in Hong Kong. It is a relief to the Council that the Government has finally come to its sense to mention a timetable to install an incinerator in the near future. The decision process of the whole matter exemplified the classical manner of the Government's procrastination in coming to a decision in such a critical and essential issue for the welfare and public health of Hong Kong.
Other issues raised
There are also many valuable ideas and suggestions for us to consider within the next year, for instance:
(a) the Millennium which denotes two things: firstly, the need to watch our computer system and secondly, how the Council would organize activities to celebrate the arrival of the 21st Century;
(b) I very much hope that Members would recognize the worthiness of the Healthy Living Campaign as being something wider than what this Council and Regional Council are doing and give it every support:
(c) we have to take forward the corporatization of the major performing companies which have been having close relationship with the Council, they are (other than the HK Philharmonic):—Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, HK Repertory Theatre and Hong Kong Dance Company:
(d) we will need to support the Greening of Hong Kong:
Page 510 of 606
Page 510 of 606
Page 510 of 606
Page 510
Page 511