XN000022-1995-05-26 — Page 20

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In the meantime, Fire Services Department officers have an on-going programme of visits to BSAS during which they will give appropriate advice to operators as to how to minimise dangers and on matters which require immediate attention.

On another issue, Mr Wong announced that a fourth activity centre for Overseas Domestic Helpers (ODHs) would be opened at the Po Leung Kuk Lee Mo Fan Memorial School in North Point on the coming Sunday.

He also said the department would continue to search for more venues to set up centres for ODHs. One more activity centre is expected to set up at the Kowloon Technical School in Sham Shui Po next month.

"We have also approached the schools of the English Schools Foundation and the initial response is very positive," he added.

Referring to HAD's public enquiry service (PES), Mr Wong said a trial scheme would be launched next month to direct telephone enquiries received at five of the busiest public enquiry centres (PESCs) - in Wan Chai, Kowloon City, Wong Tai Sin, Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan to the central telephone enquiry centre (CTEC) in the headquarters.

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"This trial scheme is being introduced to achieve a more effective deployment of resources," he explained.

Mr Wong also disclosed that the department was planning to set up an electronic database to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of the PES. The database will operate on a local area computer network, linking up the headquarters and the 19 PESCs.

"The electronic database will replace the present system of information manuals which has been in use for over 20 years," he said.

HAD's another effort to improve its services to the public is to extend its performance pledge to sub-treasuries of New Territories District Offices from next

month.

"We pledge that members of the public making payments to the Government at these sub-treasuries would be attended to in four minutes during non-peak hours and 35 minutes during peak hours, to follow the standard adopted by the Treasury," Mr Wong said.

End/Friday, May 26, 1995

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