ENG-1999 — Page 42

CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

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and working in the districts as well as on the provision and use of public facilities and services within the district. The Government also consulted these bodies on a wide range of issues.

The Provisional District Boards (District Councils with effect from January 1, 2000) were provided with funds to implement minor environmental improvement and community involvement projects in the districts. In 1999-2000, these funds totalled $130 million for both the Provisional District Boards and the District Councils.

Each Provisional District Board operated a meet-the-public scheme, under which residents could meet board members face-to-face to express their views on any district problems. The scheme was well received by the public. It also provided a direct channel to collect public views on local issues for the Provisional District Boards, which then reflected them to the Government.

Each district had a District Management Committee, chaired by the District Officer, comprising representatives of departments providing essential services in the district. The chairman of the Provisional District Board was invited to attend District Management Committee meetings as an observer to improve communication between. the committee and the board. The committee served as a forum for inter- departmental consultation on district matters and co-ordinated the provision of public services and facilities to ensure that district needs were met promptly.

Following the 1998 review of the structure and functions of district organisations, District Boards have been renamed, in English, 'District Councils' to underline their vital role in district administration. The first election to the District Councils was held on November 28. In all, 798 candidates stood for election to 390 seats, with 76 of the candidates being returned uncontested. Of the 2.28 million registered voters in constituencies where seats were contested, 816 503 (or 35.82 per cent) turned out to vote, representing an increase of over 120 000 voters compared to the District Boards election in 1994.

In addition to the 390 elected members, there are 27 ex officio members (i.e. Rural Committee chairmen in the New Territories) and 102 appointed members, making a total of 519 District Council members. The term of office of these council members is for four years starting from January 2000.

The role of District Councils in district administration will be strengthened. Additional funding will be provided to the councils for improving the local environment, promoting district activities, and increasing the accountable allowances of District Council members. The Government will also assist the councils in promoting cultural, recreational and sports activities and in monitoring local environmental hygiene. The chairmen and vice chairmen will become members of the District Management Committees where they will join representatives of government departments to discuss and resolve district problems as well as to co-ordinate departmental operations and services in the district and respond positively to district needs. Government departments will also have closer co- operation and communication with the District Councils and their various committees.

Area Committees were set up in 1972 to support the 'Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign' and 'Fight Violent Crime Campaign'. Nowadays, the functions of Area Committees are to encourage public participation in district affairs, help organise