The Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, today (March 27) visited the Central and Western District to see the latest developments in the district.
Walking along Wing Lok Street in Sheung Wan with Chairman of the Central and Western District Council, Mr Chan Tak-chor, and the District Officer, Miss Eliza Yau, Dr Liao was briefed by Drainage Services Department staff on the progress of the major drainage improvement works to alleviate the flooding problem in the area.
She said the department had already commenced a number of drainage projects, totalling $210 million, to resolve the flooding problem. These included construction of interception drains at Queen's Road Central and the Sheung Wan Stormwater Pumping Station. Upon completion of the two projects in 2008 and 2009 respectively, flooding can largely be prevented. In the interim, the department has stepped up drainage cleaning at the low-lying areas of Wing Lok Street to prevent blockage of drains and will send "Sheung Wan Flood Watch" message to shop operators in the area when the flooding risk is high.
Dr Liao then visited students of a kindergarten at the Belcher's. She was impressed by the well-designed school facilities, the good learning atmosphere and lively teaching methods. She also chatted and played games with the students.
After arriving at Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, Dr Liao was briefed on the background of the museum and some invaluable relics of Dr Sun. Being converted from the Kom Tong Hall built in 1914, the four-storey museum has retained the architectural features of Kom Tong Hall while incorporating the functional requirements of a contemporary museum.
After touring the museum, Dr Liao said she was very pleased to note the efforts made by various departments in preserving this historic building and striking a balance between restoration and renovation. She believed the museum would become an ideal place for people to learn more about the life of Dr Sun and modern Chinese history.
Ends/Tuesday, March 27, 2007