The minutes were confirmed on 2 November 2018 without amendment.

Minutes of the Fifth Meeting of the District Facilities Management Committee under the District Council in 2018

Date : 7 September 2018 (Friday)

Time : 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Venue : Conference Room, Council, 13/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long

Present Time of Arrival Time of Withdrawal Chairman: Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Vice-chairman: Mr TANG Cheuk-yin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Members: Mr CHAM Ka-hung, (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Daniel, BBS, MH, JP Ms CHAN Mei-lin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr CHAN Sze-ching (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr CHING Chan-ming (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (12:00 noon) Mr CHOW Wing-kan (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr KWOK Hing-ping (Beginning of the meeting) (11:15 a.m.) Mr KWOK Keung, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (11:15 a.m.) Mr LEUNG Ming-kin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr LUI Kin, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) The Hon LUK (10:30 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Chung-hung, JP Ms MA Shuk-yin (10:15 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Mr MAK Ip-sing (10:20 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Mr MAN Kwong-ming (Beginning of the meeting) (11:00 a.m.) Mr MAN Ping-nam, (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) MH Mr SIU Long-ming, (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) MH Mr TANG Cheuk-him (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr TANG Hing-ip, (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) BBS Mr TANG Ka-leung (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr TANG Sui-man (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr TANG Yung-yiu, (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting)

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Ronnie Mr TO Ka-lun (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr WONG Cheuk-kin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms WONG Wai-ling (10:50 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Mr WONG Wai-shun, (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) MH Mr YIU Kwok-wai (10:45 a.m.) (11:20 a.m.) Mr YOUNG Ka-on (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms YUEN Man-yee (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting)

Secretary: Ms WONG Man-ting, Executive Officer I (District Council), Yuen Long Mandy District Office Assistant Ms CHUNG Sin-kwan, Executive Officer (District Council) 4, Yuen Long Secretary: Polly District Office

In Attendance Mr NG Lak-sun, Nixon Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long) 1 Mr TSANG Tak-chung Senior Inspector of Works(1), Yuen Long District Office Mr CHAN Sai-hung Senior Inspector of Works(2), Yuen Long District Office Mr HUI Wai-ming, Kenneth Liaison Officer-in-charge (R5), Yuen Long District Office Ms LEUNG So-ping, Selina Senior Executive Officer (Planning)1, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms LUNG Lai-seung, Wendy District Leisure Manager (Yuen Long), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Dr LEUNG For-hing, Benny Librarian ( Public Library)2, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms LAM Pui-yin, Gloria Senior Manager (NTW) Promotion, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms CHAN Ching-han, Peggy Senior Estate Surveyor/West, District Lands Office, Yuen Long

Item II Ms HUI Ka-wai, Minerva Architect (Works)5, Home Affairs Department

Item IV Mr HO Kwai-hung, Barry Senior Executive Officer (District

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Management), Yuen Long District Office Ms AU Hing-tsz, Berry Executive Officer (Community Affairs), Yuen Long District Office Ms WONG Suk-fun, Housing Manager/YLG6, Josephine Housing Department

Item VI(2) Mr HO Kwai-hung, Barry Senior Executive Officer (District Management), Yuen Long District Office Ms AU Hing-tsz, Berry Executive Officer (Community Affairs), Yuen Long District Office

Item VI(4) Mr LAM Chi-keung, Chief Engineer/West1, Desmond Civil Engineering and Development Department Ms NG Yuen-yan Senior Engineer/12 (West), Civil Engineering and Development Department Mr LI Yuk-tsz Engineer/16 (West), Civil Engineering and Development Department

Absence Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam Mr LAI Wai-hung (Absent with apologies) Ms LAU Kwai-yung Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen Mr SHAM Ho-kit, JP (Absent with apologies) Mr TSANG Shu-wo (Absent with apologies)

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Opening Remarks The Chairman welcomed Members and government department representatives to the meeting. He also welcomed Ms CHAN Ching-han, Peggy, the newly appointed Senior Estate Surveyor/West, District Lands Office (Yuen Long) who replaced Ms LI Yee-wa, Cathy.

2. The Chairman congratulated Mr SHUM Ho-kit, JP and the Hon LUK Chung-hung,

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JP on being appointed as Justices of the Peace, Mr SIU Long-ming, MH on being awarded the Medal of Honour (“MH”) and Mr LEUNG Ming-kin on being awarded the Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community Service.

3. Mr WONG Shu-yan, Francis, Chief Leisure Manager ( North), Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”) could not attend the meeting because of other duties. Dr LEUNG For-hing, Benny, Librarian (Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library)2, LCSD stood in for Ms KWAN Yuen-mei, Rica, Senior Librarian (Yuen Long), LCSD as she was on leave.

4. As Mr SHUM Ho-kit, JP attended a function on behalf of the Yuen Long District Council (“YLDC”), he could not attend the meeting. Also, Mr LAI Wai-hung and Mr TSANG Shu-wo were absent due to other commitments.

Item I: Confirmation of the minutes of the fourth meeting of the District Facilities Management Committee (DFMC) in 2018 5. Mr CHAN Sze-ching proposed amending his time of withdrawal to “End of the meeting”.

6. The Chairman concluded that Members unanimously endorsed the above minutes and amendment.

Item II: Progress report on District Minor Works (DMW) Programme (projects proposed by District Council Members) (DFMC Paper No.49/2018) 7. In addition to permanent departmental representatives, the Chairman welcomed the following person to the meeting:

Architect (Works)5, Ms HUI Ka-wai, Minerva Home Affairs Department

8. The views and responses of the Chairman, Members and relevant departmental representatives on the following projects were summarised as follows:

(1) “Construction of a Children's Playground at Shek Wui Wai, Yuen Long” (YL-DMW169) - Members said the venue had been open for public use since 15 June. They thanked the LCSD for its effort so that works could be completed smoothly; and

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- It was pointed out that the original estimated cost of the project rose to around $9 million from approximately $7 million originally because the works had been deferred. Members hoped the departments would expedite the implementation of works in the future to prevent increased cost out of project postponement.

(2) “Construction of covered walkway from the bus stop off Yat Tam House to Grandeur Terrace Multi-storey Carpark, Tin Shui Wai” (YL-DMW213) - Members enquired about the commencement date of the works project.

(3) “Construction of covered walkway from Tin Yuet Estate to Tin Yuet Light Rail Station, Tin Shui Wai” (YL-DMW214) - Members thanked the department concerned for its effort; - Members enquired whether handrails for the disabled could be installed along the covered walkway; and - Ms Minerva HUI replied that the department received Members’ proposal of installing handrails for the disabled along the covered walkway in mid-August. Considering that the handrails were not included in the works under YL-DMW214 and the works project had been completed, Ms HUI initiated to liaise with the Highways Department (“HyD”) and Transport Department (“TD”) in response to Members’ proposal and their replies were pending.

(4) “Construction of a Sitting-out Area near the Pavilion at Shan Road, Yuen Long)” (YL-DMW306) - Members enquired about the works schedule for the project, while calling for earlier commencement of construction; and - Ms Minerva HUI responded that the department had commissioned a consultancy study to examine the feasibility of the project. Views of the relevant departments were sought on the scope of the works project at the current stage.

(5) “Construction of a children’s playground and rest garden in Mai Po Tsuen, ” - Members urged the LCSD to consult San Tin Rural Committee before commencing the works project involving the demolition of an existing vacant school; and - Ms Selina LEUNG replied that the LCSD would consult relevant Members and San Tin Rural Committee before commencing the works project.

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(6) “Construction of covered walkways in Tin Shui Wai area (Phase II)” - Members enquired about the progress of the “Construction of a covered walkway from Tin Ching Estate to Light Rail Tin Yuet Station, Tin Shui Wai” and the arrangement of an on-site inspection; and - Ms Minerva HUI responded that the Yuen Long District Office (“YLDO”) would liaise with the proponent to arrange an on-site inspection.

(7) “Construction of walkway cover from Yuen Long South to ” - Members said the pavement along Shap Road outside The Reach connecting Ma Tong Road was on government land. They enquired about the works progress; and - Ms Minerva HUI responded that the YLDO would liaise with the proponent to arrange an on-site inspection.

(8) “Provision of a rain shelter at Tai Tong Shan Road, Yuen Long” - An enquiry was made about the works schedule; - Mr CHAN Sai-hung responded that the YLDO was now preparing the plans for engineers’ approval and the works project was expected to commence before the end of the year; and - The Chairman asked the YLDO to provide Members with the plans for their reference.

(9) “Construction of a children’s playground near Ha Tsuen Soccer Pitch” - An enquiry was made about the progress of the works project; and - Ms Selina LEUNG responded that the works project was preliminarily considered feasible after the DFMC and department representatives had conducted an on-site inspection in 2016. The LCSD would liaise with the proponent for follow-ups and discussions on the project details.

(10) “The 5-a-side soccer pitch in ” - Members enquired about the progress of the works project and the arrangement of an on-site inspection; - According to Members’ understanding, the proposed site which might be reserved for industrial use was located at the industrial estate under the management of Science and Technology Parks Corporation (“HKSTP”). While soccer pitches might not be constructed on the site, Members suggested that the land use should be ascertained before conducting an on-site inspection. The DFMC should also seek proper

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coordination from relevant departments before the project could proceed; - The District Lands Office (“DLO”) was asked to provide information on the land use for Members’ reference; - It was pointed out that the HKSTP had pledged to build a soccer pitch for local residents; - Members suggested that the DFMC arrange an on-site inspection with representatives from the HKSTP; - Ms Selina LEUNG responded that the LCSD would further consider the project proposal after an on-site inspection was arranged by the Secretariat; and - The Chairman added that the LCSD should first clarify the land use and title of the proposed site with relevant departments before further examining the feasibility of the project with the proponent.

(11) “Reconstruction of an LCSD park with elderly fitness equipment opposite , Wang Chau, Ping Shan” - Members enquired about the progress of the works project and the arrangement of an on-site inspection; and - Ms Selina LEUNG replied that the LCSD would further consider the proposed item after an on-site inspection was arranged by the Secretariat.

9. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper. He urged the departments to launch the works projects in rural areas as soon as possible. In addition, consultants should be commissioned to review four projects, namely “Construction of walkway cover outside Light Rail at Tin Fuk Road, Tin Shui Wai”, “Construction of walkway cover from Talent Kindergarten and Nursery to Light Rail Ginza Station, Tin Shui Wai”, “Construction of walkway cover from Tin Ching Estate to Light Rail Tin Yuet Station, Tin Shui Wai” and “Construction of walkway cover from Light Rail Tin Yiu Station to the vicinity of Tin Yiu Plaza, Tin Shui Wai”, and update the preliminary study reports.

Item III: Progress report on Minor Environmental Improvement Programme in 2018/19 (DFMC Paper No. 50/2018) 10. Mr CHAN Sai-hung briefed Members on the paper.

11. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper.

Item IV: Utilisation rate of community halls/community centres in Yuen Long District (DFMC Paper No. 51/2018)

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12. The Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Yuen Long District Office Senior Executive Officer (District Mr HO Kwai-hung, Barry Management) Executive Officer (Community Ms AU Hing-tsz, Berry Affairs)

Housing Department Housing Manager/YLG6 Ms WONG Suk-fun, Josephine

13. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) Members enquired why the utilisation rate of community halls/community centres in July did not show a significant increase as that during the summer holiday should be higher than usual;

(2) Members enquired why the utilisation rate of Yuen Long Town East Community Hall was lower than that of other community halls/community centres;

(3) Members enquired whether the YLDO had any plan on raising the utilisation rate as that of the stage meeting room in Tin Fai Road Community Hall was 7.3% in July; and

(4) An enquiry was made on whether the YLDO had set any indicator for the utilisation rate of community halls/community centres. It was suggested that the YLDO set an indicator for utilisation of community halls/community centres to determine whether the usage of these important facilities had been consistent with the needs of the community.

14. Mr Barry HO gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) The utilisation rate of the Yuen Long Town East Community Hall had been rising since it opened. With the implementation of various pilot programmes, the utilisation rate of the community hall was expected to rise in the future;

(2) At Tin Fai Road Community Hall, the meeting room accommodating 30 people and the stage meeting room accommodating 20 people shared similar functions. Organisations would choose the former over the latter, leading

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to a lower utilisation rate of the latter. When the scheme of Opening Stage Meeting Room at Tin Fai Road Community Hall as Study Room had come to an end in June 2018, the utilisation rate of the stage meeting room was further affected;

(3) Understanding Members’ concerns over the utilisation rate of community halls/community centres, the YLDO would launch a campaign to promote the stage meeting room as soon as possible to encourage eligible organisations near Tin Fai Road Community Hall to hold activities there, thereby optimising the resources; and

(4) The YLDO would report to the DFMC on the actual usage of facilities in community halls/community centres regularly and continue to strive to enhance the utilisation rate.

15. Ms Berry AU added that female participants of many activities held in community halls/community centres needed to spend more time on taking care of their children during the summer holiday and many people would travel abroad during the summer holiday. These might be the reasons for no significant increase in the utilisation rate of community halls/community centres in summer.

16. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper. He suggested that the Working Group on the Management of Facilities in Community Halls and Community Centres in Yuen Long District take follow up actions on enhancing the utilisation rate of community halls/community centres.

Item V: Members’ proposals on DMW for DFMC’s consideration (DFMC Paper No. 52/2018) 17. The views of the Chairman, Members and relevant departmental representatives on proposals on DMW were summarised as follows:

(1) “Construction of a leisure park with fitness equipment and covered benches at Yau Chuen Street, ” - A leisure park at Yau Chuen Street was proposed because there was a lack of leisure facilities at Long Shin Estate; - The football pitch at Yau Shin Street was now designated as a car park under short term tenancy. Members hoped that the department would recognise and respond to residents’ needs for recreational facilities and plan on providing recreational and sports facilities in the district as appropriate;

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- Members suggested that the DFMC conduct an on-site inspection given the considerable size of the proposed works site. They also hoped the DLO would provide information on the land use; - Ms Peggy CHAN responded that the information on the land use would be provided after the meeting; and - The Chairman said that the Housing Department should provide adequate recreational and sports facilities for residents of estates it managed.

(2) “Provision of recreation facilities for children at Fung Heung Street Sitting-out Area” - The proponent said Fung Heung Street Sitting-out Area equipped with elderly fitness facilities was managed by the LCSD. As the demand for recreation facilities for children in the district was increasing, it was suggested that the department consider providing such facilities at the sitting-out area; - Understanding that recreation facilities for children at the existing space would not comply with safety standards, Members suggested that the department consider reducing planter areas to release space for the facilities; and - Ms Wendy LUNG responded that Fung Heung Street Sitting-out Area mainly provided elderly fitness facilities and there were also planters and trees. The department had conducted an on-site inspection with staff from the technical unit in mid-August after receiving Members’ proposal. Ms LUNG pointed out that leisure facilities to be installed had to meet the safety standards. After measuring and assessing the venue, the department stated that there was insufficient space for additional recreation facilities for children. Also, space had to be reserved as passages in the venue.

18. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper. He also suggested an on-site inspection be arranged to examine the feasibility of the works.

Item VI: (1) Mr YIU Kwok-wai, the Hon LUK Chung-hung, JP, Ms LAU Kwai-yung and Mr TANG Cheuk-him requested forming a working group on works progress of the swimming pool in Tin Shui Wai North (DFMC Paper No. 53/2018) 19. Ms Selina LEUNG reported that the funding application of the works project, “Swimming pool complex and open space in Area 107, Tin Shui Wai” had been endorsed by Legislative Council (“LegCo”) Finance Committee in June 2018. According to the report

10 by the Architectural Services Department (“ArchSD”), the tendering process for piling works had started. The works were expected to commence in December 2018 and complete in the third quarter in 2022 if progress was smooth.

20. The views of the Chairman and Members were summarised as follows:

(1) It was hoped that a working group would be formed to establish closer communication with relevant departments and handle arrangements during the construction period properly to reduce impacts on residents in the vicinity and smoothen the works progress;

(2) It was pointed out that “Swimming pool complex and open space in Area 107, Tin Shui Wai” was an important infrastructure project in the district but the expected completion time was too long. Concerning that the works progress would fall behind schedule during the construction period, they said forming a working group would allow the LCSD, ArchSD, contractors and consultants to report on the works progress regularly, thereby monitoring the works progress effectively and expediting the completion of the works project;

(3) The working group could convene meetings duly based on the works progress for group members’ detailed understanding of and focused discussion on the works progress;

(4) It was suggested that the LCSD and ArchSD report on the works progress of “Swimming pool complex and open space in Area 107, Tin Shui Wai” together on a regular basis at DFMC meetings;

(5) An enquiry was made on whether the ArchSD, contractors and consultants would send representatives to the meetings if the working group was formed;

(6) It was pointed out that ArchSD representatives did not attend the meetings of the working group formed in early years because “Swimming pool complex and open space in Area 107, Tin Shui Wai” was at the planning stage. Now that the funding application of the works project had been endorsed by the LegCo and the construction would be undertaken, it was hoped that the ArchSD would send representatives to the meetings.

21. Ms Selina LEUNG replied that the LCSD held an open attitude to the formation of the working group. LCSD had sent representatives to attend the meetings of the working group formed in early years but the ArchSD had not. If the working group was

11 re-established, it was necessary to ask whether the ArchSD would be represented at the working group meetings. In planning and pushing forward “Swimming pool complex and open space in Area 107, Tin Shui Wai”, the LCSD would frequently convene meetings with the ArchSD to monitor the works progress. In view of Members’ concerns over the works project, the LCSD could attend meetings to explain the progress to Members with the ArchSD depending on the actual needs.

22. The Chairman concluded that Members endorsed the forming of the “Working Group on Works Progress of the Swimming Pool in Tin Shui Wai North”. He asked the Secretariat to invite DFMC Members to join the working group by letter.

(Post-meeting note: The Secretariat wrote to invite Members to join the “Working Group on the Works Progress of Tin Shui Wai North Swimming Pool” (“WGTSWNSP”) on 14 September 2018. As at the reply deadline, a total of 12 Members agreed to join the Working Group.)

(2) Mr SHUM Ho-kit, JP, Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH, Mr CHAM Ka-hung, Daniel, BBS, MH, JP, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr CHING Chan-ming, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Ms LAU, Kwai-yung, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, the Hon LUK Chung-hung, JP, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Mr WONG Cheuk-kin, Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie, Mr YIU Kwok-wai and Ms YUEN Man-yee proposed installing hot and cold water dispensers in community halls/community centres (DFMC Paper No. 54/2018) 23. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) Members generally supported provision of drinking water facilities at community halls/community centres in the district. They said the facilities were already available at sports centres and thus should also be provided at community halls/community centres, where sports activities were staged regularly, in order to bring convenience to the public. Provision of drinking water facilities could also encourage members of the public to use their own water bottles, thus reducing the consumption of plastic bottles and promoting environmental awareness. A Member said both hot and cold drinking water should be available at the venues;

(2) It would be feasible to provide drinking water facilities at community halls/community centres in Tin Shui Wai District, based on the findings of a Member’s inspection. It was hoped that YLDO would provide assistance in this regard. Members called for improvement in the weak water flow

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from a warm drinking water supply system at Tin Yiu Community Centre, which might be caused by water pressure problems;

(3) Members urged YLDO to contemplate Members’ suggestions, saying the Working Group on the Management of Facilities in Community Halls and Community Centres in Yuen Long District should follow up on them if necessary;

(4) Members raised concern that introducing drinking water facilities could be costly, and called on YLDO to make sensible selections according to actual needs to ensure judicious use of resources; and

(5) It was hoped that water dispensers would be available on the premises of government departments providing public services and the MTR Corporation, in addition to community halls/community centres.

24. Mr Barry HO gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) YLDO understood that Members made the suggestion of providing drinking water facilities at community halls/community out of environmental protection considerations and to cater for community needs. YLDO would conduct an on-site inspection in collaboration with relevant departments, including the Architectural Services Department (“ArchSD”) and the Water Supplies Department (“WSD”), so as to explore the technical feasibility of doing this;

(2) YLDO would follow up with the contractor to adjust the filter cartridge of water dispensers at Tin Yiu Community Centre according to hydrostatic pressure, in order to ensure a stable water supply;

(3) The installation of water dispensers at Tin Yiu Community Centre cost about $40,000, and the procedures of connecting water pipes to water dispensers were straightforward because the suitable source of fresh water was in the immediate vicinity. However, the installation costs at some other community halls/community centres would be higher because of complicated connectivity procedures with fresh water sources located far from water dispensers, according to the preliminary findings of YLDO’s on-site inspection; and

(4) YLDO would update DFMC on installation details in due course after studying the cost and time needed for the works, and then apply for funding

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through the District Minor Works (“DMW”) programme to commence the installation.

25. In summing up, the Chairman said Members supported provision of drinking water facilities at community halls/community centres, while urging YLDO to follow up on the installation works and, if necessary, study the specifications of drinking water facilities available at the venues under the ambit of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”). The Chairman requested YLDO to brief DFMC on the estimated installation costs in due course to ensure the effective use of resources.

(3) Mr LUI Kin, MH, Mr SIU Long-ming, MH, Mr KWOK Keung, MH, Ms WONG Wai-ling and Ms Ma Shuk-yin requested the road safety at the entrance/exit of Sai Ching Street Children’s Playground facing In-Citi mall be improved (DFMC Paper No. 55/2018) 26. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) There had been slip-and-fall cases at the entrance and exit of Sai Ching Street Children’s Playground facing the In-Citi shopping mall, where uneven ground surfaces went unnoticed and floor tiles were slippery and would get wet and more slippery on rainy days; and

(2) It was hoped that LCSD would take long-term improvement measures as the anti-slip materials applied on the floor tiles to enhance safety would gradually come off.

27. Ms Wendy LUNG responded by acknowledging Members’ concern about the safety of using the entrance and exit of Sai Ching Street Children’s Playground facing the In-Citi shopping mall. She said LCSD had applied non-slippery materials on the floor tiles as a temporary measure to reduce the likelihood of falls and would re-apply the materials when needed. ArchSD would adjust the tilt of walking surfaces there in the long run and consider the use of anti-slip floor tiles. LCSD would maintain close liaison and follow up with ArchSD on the progress of the works, and would invite Members for a joint on-site inspection when any new progress was made.

28. In conclusion, the Chairman urged LCSD to maintain close liaison with relevant Members to expedite the progress of the works.

(4) Mr CHAM Ka-hung Daniel, BBS, MH, JP requested that public facilities built at the preliminary stage of the Tin Shui Wai development but not managed or maintained by any department be repaired and renovated, and their management and maintenance be

14 taken over by relevant departments in the long run (DFMC Paper No. 56/2018) 29. The Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Civil Engineering and Development Department Chief Engineer/W1 Mr LAM Chi-keung, Desmond Senior Engineer/12 (W) Ms NG Yuen-yan Engineer/16 (W) Mr LI Yuk-tsz

30. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) They hoped the Civil Engineering and Development Department (“CEDD”) would arrange maintenance as soon as possible of many ageing public facilities in Tin Shui Wai, such as arbours and benches near Tin Yau Court and , and hand them over to appropriate departments for long-term management;

(2) CEDD had replaced more than 500 dilapidated wooden benches in Tin Shui Wai in phases this year with their management to be handled later by LCSD, following DFMC’s earlier discussions on how to deal with them;

(3) Apart from the worn-out benches, many arbours and structures in Tin Shui Wai District were broken and defaced due to a lack of management, and granite footsteps beside the nullah showed signs of distress and instability. Members urged CEDD to repair and replace the facilities, hand over their management and maintenance to other departments, and allow the public to inform relevant departments to take necessary follow-up action;

(4) It was hoped that CEDD would address more quickly the long-standing problem of poor maintenance of relevant public facilities in Tin Shui Wai District;

(5) Members urged relevant departments to also face squarely and address the problem of repair and maintenance of public facilities in Yuen Long District, on top of those in Tin Shui Wai;

(6) Members urged CEDD to count relevant public facilities in Tin Shui Wai District and provide a checklist of them for their review; and

(7) Members expected very high costs of the replacement and maintenance

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works because of the large scale, and suggested CEDD secure sufficient funding to complete the works expeditiously.

31. Mr Desmond LAM gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) The Territory Development Department (“TDD”) built public facilities in Tin Shui Wai District some years ago, including wooden benches, pavillions and arbours;

(2) CEDD had been replacing and removing wooden benches in the district in phases. More than 50 benches had been replaced so far, and additional 80-odd benches would be replaced within the year. CEDD sought to secure more resources for replacement of the remaining benches in the next financial year, while LCSD would take over the management of all benches after completion of the works;

(3) CEDD was in discussion with relevant departments the long-term management and maintenance of arbours and gazebos in the district, and would apply for resources to carry out one-off repairs and maintenance works for the facilities before relevant departments took over their maintenance in the long run. Given the large numbers of such facilities in the district, CEDD needed more time to review their conditions and discuss necessary repairs and maintenance works with relevant departments. It was hoped that the maintenance works for facilities in need of improvement would commence before the beginning of next year, subject to the availability of resources;

(4) CEDD would also attend to public facilities in other districts apart from Tin Shui Wai, which were built by TDD many years ago but had not been managed or maintained by any other department; and

(5) CEDD noted Members’ views. The department would actively seek resources for implementation of one-off measures to improve relevant facilities, and brief Members on the progress of the works in due course.

32. The Chairman:

(1) Urged CEDD to start after the meeting counting public facilities completed in Tin Shui Wai District over the years, including benches and arbours, and then provide a checklist of them and a works schedule for Members’ reference;

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(2) Urged CEDD to arrange repairs and maintenance works as quickly as possible for old and dilapidated public facilities in the district that put the lives of residents at risk;

(3) Opined that CEDD should apply the design concept of wooden arbours, i.e., allowing climbing plants to grow over them for environmental beautification, citing that metallic materials used in the renovation of arbours to substitute the wooden ones had made it difficult for climbing plants to grow over;

(4) Hoped that CEDD would speed up the less-than-satisfactory progress of replacing wooden benches in Tin Shui Wai District;

(5) Suggested CEDD convene meetings in due course to follow up on relevant cases and regularly brief Members of DFMC and the District Management Committee on the progress of the works to boost efficiency; and

(6) Urged CEDD to apply for funding and set aside sufficient amounts for the replacement and maintenance works of all relevant public facilities in the district, which would, hopefully, be completed before the end of next year.

33. In summing up the item, the Chairman requested the Secretariat to convey in writing to CEDD after the meeting the views expressed by Members.

(Post-meeting note: The Secretariat relayed Members’ views to CEDD in a letter sent on 27 September 2018.)

(5) Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH and Mr WONG Cheuk-kin urged that self-service library units be introduced at Long Ping West Rail Station (DFMC Paper No. 57/2018) 34. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) They hoped LCSD would extend the Self-service Library Station Project to Yuen Long District after completion of the ongoing pilot scheme;

(2) Members hoped there would be a Self-service Library Station at West Rail to serve the substantial population residing in nearby areas, given that the re-provisioning of Yuen Long Public Library from the Yuen Long Government Offices had caused inconvenience to local residents;

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(3) It was pointed out that West Rail Long Ping Station and West Rail were both suitable sites for the provision of a Self-service Library Station, given their convenient locations and the heavy traffic of people;

(4) An enquiry was made on whether LCSD could introduce a community library or a mobile library station in Long Shin Estate;

(5) An enquiry was made about whether LCSD would open libraries in any of four new development sites in Yuen Long District, whose population was expected to grow to 1.16 million from currently more than 650 000 after completion of the sites; and

(6) Members asked about the locations of the seven community libraries in Yuen Long District and the names of their collaborating organisations. It was hoped that LCSD would provide assistance for the organisations, which had to use their own manpower to deliver more than a hundred books whenever books at their community libraries were replaced, with a view to encouraging local organisations to set up community libraries.

35. Dr Benny LEUNG gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) LCSD noted Members’ views and would relay them to a relevant working group under the department. The working group would study and analyse relevant data about the use of Self-service Library Stations, which was currently run on a pilot basis, after all of them became operational;

(2) LCSD was in the course of launching a mobile library stop in Long Shin Estate, and would consult DFMC members on the issue at the meeting and then apply for funding;

(3) Community libraries were set up by the Hong Kong Public Libraries in collaboration with local organisations. There were seven community libraries in Yuen Long District, namely the Reading Garden - HKYWCA Jockey Club Tin Shui Wai Family Wellness Centre, the Tin Ching Estate Wong Wai Shun Integrated Children & Youth Services Centre, the Tin Ching Affinity Association, the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Jockey Club Tin Shui Wai Integrated Social Service Centre, the Tin Yiu Estate Tsang Shue Wo Community Services Centre, and the Tin Tsz Community Library. The community library at Club Reach would be commissioned shortly to provide more flexible and convenient library services for local residents.

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36. In concluding the discussion on the item, the Chairman urged LCSD to study extension of library services and to encourage organisations interested in the provision of community libraries to do so in collaboration with the department. However, community libraries could not replace LCSD’s public library services. He hoped LCSD would keep its promise of providing a library in the central part of Tin Shui Wai to cater for the needs of local residents after the Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library replaced Tin Shui Wai Public Library.

(6) Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH and Mr WONG Cheuk-kin urged that a library be provided under the development project of the Sports Centre in Area 12 (DFMC Paper No. 58/2018) 37. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) It was hoped that LCSD would consider the residents’ needs by providing a library at the sports centre in Area 12 of Yuen Long District, at a time when the project was still in the planning stage; and

(2) Members suggested a library be provided at the sports centre project in Area 12 of Yuen Long District to cater for residents’ needs. It was pointed out that there were also library and gymnastic facilities at the Yuen Long Leisure and Cultural Building at Ma Tin Road and the Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building, both of which were located in Yuen Long District.

38. In conclusion, the Chairman urged LCSD to have regard to Members’ views.

(7) Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH and Mr WONG Cheuk-kin requested that Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground be converted into a 5-a-side hard-surface soccer pitch to replace the construction of an 11-a-side soccer pitch previously proposed and that free public access be retained to facilitate the development of futsal (DFMC Paper No. 59/2018) 39. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) There had been no corresponding increase of supporting facilities for futsal events in Yuen Long District despite the growing popularity in recent years of the sport, which was considered a 5-a-side version of football, after many such events were staged in different districts under the auspices of the Government and the Hong Kong Football Association;

(2) LCSD branded Members’ suggestion made during a previous DFMC

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meeting of converting football pitches surrounded by boards in Yuen Long District into regular 5-a-side futsal pitches as technically unfeasible;

(3) Completion of two 11-a-side football pitches in Yuen Long District in recent years had only slightly satisfied residents’ demand for this type of football pitches. In comparison, however, there was a pressing demand for 5-a-side football pitches in the district, given that there was only one such football pitch in the district, which was adjacent to Tin Shui Wai Sports Centre;

(4) Futsal had room for growth in Hong Kong, as evidenced by the excellent results achieved by Yuen Long District in the futsal tournaments of the Hong Kong Games (“HKG”). As futsal players faced the problem of shortage in training venues, Members suggested LCSD revise the redevelopment plan for the Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground by converting one of 7-a-side pitches into a 5-a-side pitch instead of the originally proposed 11-a-side pitch while retaining the other 7-a-side pitch, in the hope of facilitating futsal development and satisfying pitch users’ demand;

(5) Having boards erected around a 5-a-side football pitch was no longer a specification requirement, so Members did not think this would restrict the use of the Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground as a venue for the Lunar New Year Fair;

(6) Members supported promotion of Futsal football, but raised concern about the under-utilisation of the 5-a-side football pitch adjacent to , which was completed many years ago. A Member said fewer organisations had hosted Futsal events there probably because of a change in government policy to promote Futsal;

(7) DFMC endorsed in 2012 and 2013 respectively the proposed facilities in the redevelopment project for Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground, which included a proposed 11-a-side artificial turf football pitch. The venue arrangements for the Lunar New Year Fair were also discussed at that time. Members expressed worries that any amendments DFMC might suggest to the proposed facilities would affect the overall progress of the project, given that the redevelopment project was already included in the Five-Year Plan for Sports and Recreation Facilities under the Policy Address;

(8) Members said the development approaches of the redevelopment project for Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground should remain unchanged, but the plans for some of the proposed facilities in the project should be revised and

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enhanced along with the latest social development, in order to better meet evolving community needs and achieve the optimal use of space. The Hong Kong Football Association had also said futsal had a better future in Hong Kong than the traditional 11-a-side game of football. Therefore, Members hoped LCSD would go with the trend and make appropriate adjustments to details of the redevelopment project;

(9) Members suggested LCSD consider making the artificial turf pitch in the redevelopment project available to the public for free amid concerns that it might become a fee-charging facility after redevelopment; and

(10) Members urged LCSD to consider providing a 5-a-side football pitch at the football field at Yau Shin Street to resolve the problem of insufficient football pitches of this type, given that DFMC had endorsed the development of multi-purpose recreational and sitting-out facilities at the venue.

40. Ms Selina LEUNG gave a consolidated response as follows:

(1) A number of local people and organisations raised to LCSD concerns and objections regarding the redevelopment project for Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground, after DFMC endorsed the proposed facilities and conceptual designs in 2012 and 2013 respectively, such as whether the venue would affect the Lunar New Year Fair in Yuen Long District after redevelopment, and whether it might become a fee-charging facility; and

(2) LCSD was studying with relevant departments on how to take forward the redevelopment project, but would be most delighted to listen to Members’ suggestions and seek DFMC’s advice on the project as soon as possible.

41. In conclusion, the Chairman urged the Home Affairs Bureau and LCSD to take into account Members’ views about the redevelopment project, which had been included in the Five-Year Plan for Sports and Recreation Facilities under the 2017 Policy Address, and to study whether amendments, if any, made to the proposed facilities in the project would affect its implementation progress. He added that DFMC was more than happy to discuss such amendments without prejudice to the implementation progress.

Item VII: Consolidated report on the recreation and sports activities to be held in Yuen Long District and the management of facilities by LCSD (September 2018 Issue) (DFMC Paper No. 60/2018)

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42. Ms Wendy LUNG briefed on the paper. Because facilities in “Sitting-out Area in ”, “Lam Hau Tsuen Basketball Court”, “Shui Tsiu Lo Wai Playground” and “ Sitting-out Area” had aged, she asked Members to endorse the renovation works of basic facilities in the venues with DMW funds.

43. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) An enquiry was made on the scale of improvement works for “Shui Tsiu Lo Wai Playground” as the budget was relatively low. Members also hoped the LCSD would discuss the works details with village representatives before commencing the works;

(2) Members hoped the LCSD would print the logo for Yuen Long District on roadside hanging planters; and

(3) Members thanked the LCSD for its effort so that the enhancement works at Sha Chau Lei Sitting-out Area could be completed smoothly.

44. Ms Wendy LUNG responded that the site area of “Shui Tsiu Lo Wai Playground” was small. Its enhancement works included the provision of arbours, resurfacing with natural granite, installation of guide facilities for the blind, replacement of three benches and chain link fences, and provision of signage.

45. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper and endorsed reserving $3.81 million from the DMW fund for basic renovation works at “Sitting-out Area in Shing Uk Tsuen”, “Lam Hau Tsuen Basketball Court”, “Shui Tsiu Lo Wai Playground” and “Fung Chi Tsuen Sitting-out Area”.

Item VIII: Report on the public library extension activities organised by LCSD and usage of public libraries in Yuen Long District (DFMC Paper No. 61/2018) 46. Mr Benny LEUNG briefed on the paper.

47. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper.

Item IX: Proposed provision of mobile library stops in Yuen Long District by LCSD (DFMC Paper No. 62/2018) 48. Mr Benny LEUNG briefed on the paper.

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49. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper and endorsed the provision of one mobile library stop in Long Shin Estate, Yuen Long while reserving $29,100 from the DMW fund for installing a service box and a notice board at the new library stop.

Item X: Report on the cultural and entertainment programmes organised by LCSD in Yuen Long District as well as the utilisation rate of Yuen Long Theatre (DFMC Paper No. 63/2018) 50. Ms Gloria LAM briefed on the paper.

51. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper.

Item XI: Any other business 52. There being no other business, the meeting ended at 12:30 p.m.

Yuen Long District Council Secretariat October 2018

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