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Ms. JENNIFER CHOW KIT-BING (in Cantonese):--Mr. Chairman, as Vice-Chairman of the Capital Works Select Committee, I am very concerned about whether UC facilities can meet the needs of the general public.
I think we have to be forward looking and visionary when it comes to planning for capital works. We should see that the public can enjoy up-to-date municipal facilities so that the aim of Enriching City Life can be achieved. Last year, I moved a motion for this Council to devise a forward-looking ten-year plan for capital works as an investment in the future and to improve the living qualities of our citizens. Unfortunately, for reasons I am unaware of, the motion has yet to be implemented.
Mr. CHEUNG's motion today asks for a review of the tri-party relationship of this Council, the Department and the Architectural Services Department on capital works and the introduction of consultancy services. The motion reflects the problem at stake and it is something to be attended to.
I think it is essential to introduce the consultancy mechanism. It exists for the work of other Select Committees. The professional opinions of consultancy firms are important for us to formulate more forward-looking capital works plans. The Central Library issue of the past reflects the need for consultancy services and for a review of the tri-party relationship.
On review of the relationship of this Council, the Department and the Architectural Services Department, I think the issue of accountability should be a priority. Take the recent example of the redevelopment of the Central Market, it reflects the need for a review.
What is to be the relationship between this Council and the Department? Who is answerable to whom? In 1981, there was a change of land use. I wonder if this Council was informed and whether the Department should stand on the side of Government or this Council. From our stand, Government should not look to gains and dispose of the only piece of Government land left in Central by auctioning it. In doing so, Government is disregarding the right of citizens in enjoying municipal services. It remains a question whether the Department, as a Government representative, can stand up for this Council's good.
How to draw the balance between commercial development and community service and what principles to base on are matters of our concern. As the relationship of the three parties has yet to be clarified, this conflict still exists. I support the motion moved by Mr. CHEUNG, but I have reservations on whether all projects or municipal facilities as a rule should be decided by way of open competitions. Open competitions for all projects will lead to complicated problems in various aspects. They include technical issues, time limits and other limitations. Matters should be decided on their individual merits. All in all, I support Mr. Cheung's motion in principle.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks. I vow support for the motion.
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HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
249
Ms. JENNIFER CHOW KIT-BING (in Cantonese):--Mr. Chairman, as Vice- Chairman of the Capital Works Select Committee, I am very concerned about whether UC facilities can meet the needs of the general public.
I think we have to be forward looking and visionary when it comes to planning for capital works. We should see that the public can enjoy up to date municipal facilities so that the aim of Enriching City Life can be achieved. Last year, I moved a motion for this Council to devise a forward looking ten year plan for capital works as an investment in the future and to improve the living qualities of our citizens. Unfortunately, for reasons I am unaware of, the motion has yet to be implemented.
Mr. CHEUNG's motion today asks for a review of the tri-party relationship of this Council, the Department and the Architectural Services Department on captial works and the introduction of consultancy services. The motion reflects the problem at stake and it is something to be attended to.
I think it is essential to introduce the consultancy mechanism. It exists for the work of other Select Committees. The professional opinions of consultancy firms are important for us to formulate more forward looking capital works plans. The Central Library issue of the past reflects the need for consultancy services and for a review of the tri-party relationship.
On review of the relationship of this Council, the Department and the Architectural Services Department, I think the issue of accountability should be a priority. Take the recent example of the redevelopment of the Central Market, it reflects the need for a review,
What is to be the relationship between this Council and the Department? Who is answerable to whom? In 1981, there was a change of land use. I wonder if this Council was informed and whether the Department should stand on the side of Government or this Council. From our stand, Government should not look to gains and dispose of the only piece of Government land left in Central by auctioning it. In doing so, Government is disregarding the right of citizens in enjoying municipal services. It remains a question whether the Department, as a Government representative, can stand up for this Council's good.
How to draw the balance between commercial development and community service and what principles to base on are matters of our concern. As the relationship of the three parties has yet to be clarified, this conflict still exists. I support the motion moved by Mr. CHEUNG, but I have reservations on whether all projects or municipal facilities as a rule should be decided by way of open competitions. Open competitions for all projects will lead to complicated problems in various aspects. They include technical issues, time limits and other limitations. Matters should be decided on their individual merits. All in all, I support Mr. Cheung's motion in principle.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks. I vow support for the motion.
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