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He said HAD had introduced a two-tier administrative structure - the RPIS Minor Works Steering Committee and the nine NT district working groups to enhance local participation in the formulation of the programme and facilitate consultation with rural residents in November 1994 when it took over the RPIS Minor Works programme from the Territory Development Department (TDD).
The Steering Committee, chaired by the Director of Home Affairs, comprised the NT District Board Chairmen, Heung Yee Kuk representatives and senior government representatives while the district working groups, chaired by their respective district officers, included local leaders and departmental representatives.
They were tasked with overseeing the general programme and offering advice and assistance to help expedite the RPIS Minor Works projects, identifying and setting priorities for projects.
The close relationship established between HAD and rural villagers and the two-tier administration structure allowed the department to gain a better understanding of the villagers' needs in improving their living standards and conditions and to meet those needs, Mr Suen said.
To avoid time consuming problems previously encountered in resuming private land, Mr Suen said HAD would try to carry out most of the projects on government land.
"This also gives the department better control over the projects' completion date," he added.
Mr Suen also said the department had been employing outside specialist contractors in the design and construction of the projects. By doing so, he believed it could alleviate the Government's manpower shortage while providing employment opportunities to local residents.
He noted that the most suitable contractors were hired to carry out the works giving the best value for money through open bidding.
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RPIS programme was endorsed by the Executive Council in 1989. It was divided into two segments with TDD being responsible for all the major public works in the programme and HAD undertook minor works projects, valued less than $15 million each.
The Administration has earmarked $1.6 billion for a 10-year minor works programme of infrastructural development and environmental improvement.
End