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problems so that work was delayed. Later on, the Architectural Services Department recommended for us to replace the contractor. Again there was delay. Originally, the completion date was set at September or October. The Working Group discussed it and decided that the suggested opening date was unacceptable. Members of the Working Group made several site visits and held many meetings for discussion. It was felt that it would be desirable to open the pools earlier for public usage and that if landscaping or other decorative work could not be completed in time, they could wait. The ultimate concern was that basic facilities such as changing rooms and the safety devices of the pools should be ready for the opening. I have given the reasons for delay as above.
As for the percentage of damage of the leisure pools requested by Mr. HUNG, I do not have information in hand and I will pass it to Mr. HUNG after the meeting.
As to the questions on whether the design was perfect and whether the safety devices were up to standard, let us ask the Architectural Services Department to conduct a review. In fact, the Working Group met frequently at monthly intervals. At each meeting, the Department furnished figures on the usage rate and safety standards whereas members asked a lot of questions for review.
Mr. HUNG mentioned 42 cases of injuries. He asked if cases he handled or those that came to his knowledge were included. I do not have such information in hand. I can only supply him with information after the meeting. If Mr. Hung is interested in following up on issues of pool management, the setting of safety standards and the progress of work, I sincerely invite him to join our Working Group.
MR. STEVEN HUNG CHUNG-FUN (in Cantonese):—Perhaps I can give my question clearly once more. Will Mr. Wong help me to urge the Department to furnish replies on the basis of the original version of my question? That is my first point. I am sure you can help me over this, Mr. Wong.
Secondly, you have yet to answer questions 3, 4 and 5 contained in part (b) of my question. I mean the supervision of the works at the time. Was severe damage discovered soon after the pools were opened as a result of inadequate supervision? Was the damage reviewed at that time so that corresponding remedial measures were taken? You have not answered these 3 points although you have answered most other points.
MR. RONNIE WONG MAN-CHIU (in Cantonese):—Members of the Working Group on Swimming Pools had already raised the question of monitoring at the time and whether monitoring was adequately administered. The Department was instructed to take action too. I can tell Mr. HUNG that the Department would have to take up responsibility to a certain degree. As for
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problems so that work was delayed. Later on, the Architectural Services Department recommended for us to replace the contractor. Again there was delay. Originally, the completion date was set at September or October. The Working Group discussed it and decided that the suggested opening date was unacceptable. Members of the Working Group made several site visits and held many meetings for discussion. It was felt that it would be desirable to open the pools earlier for public usage and that if landscaping or other decorative work could not be completed in time, they could wait. The ultimate concern was that basic facilities such as changing rooms and the safety devices of the pools should be ready for the opening. I have given the reasons for delay as above.
As for the percentage of damage of the leisure pools requested by Mr. HUNG, I do not have information in hand and I will pass it to Mr. HUNG after the meeting.
As to the questions on whether the design was perfect and whether the safety devices were up to standard, let us ask the Architectural Services Department to conduct a review. In fact, the Working Group met frequently at monthly intervals. At each meeting, the Department furnished figures on the usage rate and safety standards whereas members asked a lot of questions for review.
Mr. HUNG mentioned 42 cases of injuries. He asked if cases he handled or those that came to his knowledge were included. I do not have such information in hand. I can only supply him with information after the meeting. If Mr. Hung is interested in following up on issues of pool management, the setting of safety standards and the progress of work, I sincerely invite him to join our Working Group.
MR. STEVEN HUNG CHUNG-FUN (in Cantonese):—Perhaps I can give my question clearly once more. Will Mr. Wong help me to urge the Department to furnish replies on the basis of the original version of my question? That is my first point. I am sure you can help me over this, Mr. Wong.
Secondly, you have yet to answer questions 3, 4 and 5 contained in part (b) of my question. I mean the supervision of the works at the time. Was severe damage discovered soon after the pools were opened as a result of inadequate supervision? Was the damage reviewed at that time so that corresponding remedial measures were taken? You have not answered these 3 points although you have answered most other points.
MR. RONNIE Wong Man-CHIU (in Cantonese):—Members of the Working Group on Swimming Pools had already raised the question of monitoring at the time and whether monitoring was adequately administered. The Department was instructed to take action too. I can tell Mr. HUNG that the Department would have to take up responsibility to a certain degree. As for
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