The Government has been informed by Managing Director of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) Mr Billy Lam Chung-lun of his decision not to renew the contract upon the expiry of his current appointment on December 31.
"We deeply appreciate the leadership that Mr Lam has provided to the URA over the past six years, and the significant role he has played in taking forward the arduous task of urban renewal," the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang said today (October 12).
"Mr Lam is fully committed to a comprehensive approach to urban renewal encompassing redevelopment, rehabilitation, preservation and revitalisation, which balances the need for improving urban dilapidation and a respect for our heritage and the cultural character of the city. This is instrumental to meeting rising public aspirations for conservation.
"In the light of a public desire for greater participation in urban renewal matters, the URA has placed increased emphasis on public engagement and involvement in its projects. In particular, the successful finalisation of the Kwun Tong Town Centre project has been the result of extensive public engagement carried out by Mr Lam and his team. Mr Lam has laid a strong and solid foundation for the URA in furtherance of its mission to regenerate older districts," Mr Tsang added.
The Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam also thanked Mr Lam for his invaluable contributions in taking forward the urban renewal programme in past years.
"It has been a great pleasure working with Mr Lam in my last three months as Secretary for Development.
"We will miss his wise counsel in taking forward urban regeneration work contributing to the Chief Executive's pledge in making Hong Kong a quality city," Mrs Lam said.
Mr Lam has been appointed by the Chief Executive as the Managing Director, who is the administrative head of URA and the Deputy Chairman of the URA Board since January 1, 2002.
The Government will work with the URA in conducting an open recruitment exercise to identify a successor to the managing director post.
Ends/Friday, October 12, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:03
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