5.
Governor visits the Regional Services Department
The Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, today (Wednesday) had a first- hand look at the plans and activities of the Regional Services Department to provide a fuller life and a healthier living environment to almost three million residents of the Regional Council area.
He was met by the acting Director of Regional Services, Mr Albert Lai, on arrival at the Regional Council Building in Pai Tau Street, Sha Tin.
The Regional Services Department is the executive arm of the Regional Council - the statutory authority overseeing the municipal needs of the nine districts of the New Territories.
Mr Patten was briefed on the performance pledge of the department this year and the standard of service which the public can expect to receive and the department's plans to further improve the services provided last year.
Accompanied by Mr Lai, Mr Patten then visited the renovated Sha Tin Market in Sha Tin Centre Street. The two-storey market houses a total of 179 stalls and has an occupation rate of over 98 per cent.
Improvement works to the market include the installation of new extraction ventilating systems, renovation of toilets, improvement to the drainage system and lighting facilities.
The Governor saw the operations of the static refuse compactor inside the Sha Tin Market which eliminates the unsightliness and stench nuisance associated with on- street refuse loading.
A feasibility study on the installation of an air- conditioning system in the market is being undertaken.
Mr Patten later visited the $71-million Hin Tin Public Swimming Pool Complex in Che Kung Miu Road, Tai Wai.
Commissioned in 1992, the pool complex has a free form leisure pool with water slides, a fountain jet, a jacuzzi pool, other water play creatures and a sun bathing
area.
Mr Patten also had a discussion with staff representatives of Departmental Consultative Committee during his visit.
End/Wednesday, May 24, 1995