(Translation)

Minutes of the 21st Meeting of District Facilities Management Committee, the 5th Term District Council

Date: 14 March 2019 (Thursday) Time: 2:30 p.m. Venue: Conference Room, Office, Unit 05-07, 20/F Millennium City 6, 392 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong,

Present:

Chairman

Mr TAM Siu-cheuk

Vice-chairman

Mr CHENG Keung-fung

Members

Mr BUX Sheik Anthony Mr KAN Ming-tung Mr CHAN Chun-kit Mr LAI Shu-ho, Patrick, BBS, MH, JP Mr CHAN Man-kin Mr LUI Tung-hai, MH Mr CHAN Wah-yu, Nelson, MH, JP Mr MA Yat-chiu, Marco Mr CHENG Keng-ieong Mr MOK Kin-shing Mr CHEUNG Ki-tang Mr NGAN Man-yu Mr CHEUNG Pui-kong Mr OR Chong-shing, Wilson, MH Mr CHEUNG Shun-wah, MH Mrs POON YAM Wai-chun, Winnie, MH Mr CHEUNG Yiu-pan Mr SO Koon-chung, Kevin Ms FU Pik-chun Ms SO Lai-chun, MH, JP Mr HO Kai-ming, Jonathan Mr TANG Wing-chun Mr HSU Hoi-shan Ms TSE Suk-chun Mr HUNG Kam-in, Kin, MH Mr WONG Chun-ping, MH Ms KAM Kin Mr YIU Pak-leung, Perry, MH

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Co-opted Member

Mr KWOK Hing-shing Mr LAU Wai-man Mr LAM Fung, MH Mr WONG Kai-san

Secretary

Ms CHAN Ka-ying, Candy Executive Officer (District Council)5, Kwun Tong District Office

Representatives of Government Departments/Organisations

Mr CHIU Kwong-kin Assistant District Officer (Kwun Tong)2, Kwun Tong District Office Mr LEE Yin-bun, Philip Senior Executive Officer (District Council), Kwun Tong District Office Miss CHOW Tak-sum, Amy Senior Executive Officer (District Management), Kwun Tong District Office Mr CHENG Ngat, Cyrus Executive Officer I (District Management), Kwun Tong District Office Miss NG Wing-yee, Winnie Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager (Market and Competition 21), Office of the Communications Authority Mr WONG Yik-kwan, John Regulatory Affairs Manager (Market and Competition 21)1, Office of the Communications Authority Mr LAU Chi-yuen, Spencer Senior Estate Surveyor/Kwun Tong (District Lands Office, Kowloon East), Lands Department Mr LEUNG Wing-ning, Ray Estate Surveyor/Kwun Tong South (District Lands Office, Kowloon East), Lands Department Ms LUK Bik-yee, Miranda Executive Officer II (District Management), Kwun Tong District Office Mr CHAN Hoi-ming, Peter Senior Liaison Officer (3), Kwun Tong District Office Miss SHUM Tsz-fun, Iris Liaison Officer in-charge (District Facilities), Kwun Tong District Office Ms YIP Wai-ting, Wendy Senior Librarian (Kwun Tong), Leisure and Cultural Services Department

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Ms LAI Mei-ling Chief Leisure Manager (Kowloon), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Miss LEE Suk-han, Yvonne District Leisure Manager (Kwun Tong), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms LAW Wai-hing, Rean Deputy District Leisure Manager (District Support) Kwun Tong, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr LO Wai-pan, Eddie Senior Executive Officer (Planning)5, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr CHENG Chi-wing Inspector of Works (Kowloon)2, Home Affairs Department Mr YING Wing-chung Assistant Inspector of Works (Kwun Tong), Home Affairs Department Mr Anthony LEUNG Senior Associate, Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Limited Ms LEE Lai-ming Architect, Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Limited Ms Gorety LEE Senior Associate, Leigh & Orange Ltd. Mr Jerry WU Architect, Leigh & Orange Ltd.

Absent:

Mr AU YEUNG Kwan-nok Mr CHAN Yiu-hung, Jimmy Dr CHAN Chung-bun, Bunny, GBS, JP Mr WONG Chi-ken Mr CHAN Kok-wah, Ben, BBS, MH Mr YIP Hing-kwok, BBS, MH, JP

Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed Members of the District Facilities Management Committee (DFMC) and government representatives to the meeting.

2. The Chairman remarked that the Secretariat had received a notice of absence from Mr YIP Hing-kwok before the meeting. The Committee noted his absence.

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3. Ms SHIU Kit-chi, Kitty, the former Senior Executive Officer (District Management), Kwun Tong District Office (KTDO), had been posted out of the KTDO. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Ms Kitty SHIU for her contributions to the Committee and welcomed her successor, Miss Amy CHOW, who attended the meeting of the DFMC for the first time. The Committee agreed to write a letter to the Home Affairs Department (HAD) to show appreciation of Ms Kitty SHIU’s past contributions to the Committee.

[Post-meeting note: the Secretariat wrote to the HAD on 15 April 2019.]

I. Confirmation of Minutes of Last Meeting

4. The minutes of the last meeting were confirmed by Members.

II. Review of the Number of Public Payphones (KTDC DFMC Paper No. 8/2019)

5. Mr John WONG, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), presented the paper.

6. Four members raised views and enquiries as follows:

6.1 It was hoped that the OFCA could provide more information on the compatibility between telephone booths and the future development of the 5G network and the overall development of the 5G network in ;

6.2 Enquiries were raised about whether telephone booths would be used as Wi-Fi hotspots to tie in with the pilot scheme of turning Kwun Tong into a smart city;

6.3 The removal of kiosk payphones received support in the meeting. It was opined that the removal could beautify the cityscape and make better use of public areas. In addition, as mobile phones of most people could use data, the demand for kiosk payphones with Wi-Fi devices was low; and

6.4 It was opined that the OFCA should enhance the functions of kiosk payphones while reserving some of them so as to tie in with the government’s plan of developing Hong Kong as a smart city.

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7. The representative of the OFCA responded that he could not provide details about the development of the 5G network at the meeting as this agenda item was about the review of the number of public payphones. However, he pointed out that under the support of relevant policies, PCCW-HKT Telephone Limited and Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) Limited could install small mobile communications base stations in appropriate telephone booths so as to enhance the coverage of their mobile network. In addition, as some kiosk payphones were already equipped with Wi-Fi devices, the OFCA would endeavor to retain those kiosk payphones when reviewing locations with two or more kiosk payphones so that members of the public could continue to enjoy Wi-Fi services. If kiosk payphones with Wi-Fi devices had to be removed after the review, the OFCA would inform the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) so that the OGCIO could consider providing additional Wi-Fi hotspots at locations where the kiosk payphones were originally situated.

8. Members noted the paper.

III. Report on the Utilisation of Public Libraries of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in Kwun Tong (KTDC DFMC Paper No. 9/2019)

9. Ms Wendy YIP of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) presented the paper.

10. Members noted the paper.

IV. Report on the Management of the LCSD Facilities in Kwun Tong for December 2018 to January 2019 (KTDC DFMC Paper No. 10/2019)

11. Ms Rean LAW of the LCSD presented the paper.

12. 16 Members raised views and enquiries as follows:

12.1 It was opined that the LCSD should provide other examples of swimming pools with designated public coaching areas so that Members could understand the implementation, effectiveness and impact of designating public coaching areas;

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12.2 Enquires were raised on how the LCSD would define and identify coaches and general swimmers, and how the LCSD would handle the problem of general swimmers’ using coaching areas;

12.3 In regard to the greening work under the Greening Master Plan, it was opined that the performance of some of the horticultural maintenance work was unsatisfactory. It was requested that the LCSD provide information about the regular maintenance and cleaning work of greening facilities;

12.4 In regard to the provision of a temporary study area at Tsuen Sports Centre, the LCSD was praised for its willingness to hear public opinions. It was hoped that the LCSD could finalise and implement the measure as soon as possible;

12.5 It was requested that the LCSD remove the greening facilities on Lee On Road as the footpath space there was limited. In addition, it was reflected that the maintenance and pruning work for greening facilities were inadequate, causing mosquito problems to residents in the district;

12.6 Enquires about whether the LCSD would formulate registration procedures after the designation of the public coaching area were raised. It was worried that the designation of a coaching area within the teaching pool would increase the workload of frontline staff. It was suggested that the LCSD consider designating a coaching area within the main pool;

12.7 It was pointed out that the LCSD did not give a clear and detailed explanation on the designation of a coaching area. Reservations were expressed regarding the proposal. It was opined that the LCSD should provide more information on the registration procedures for using the coaching area, charging initiatives, feasibility, trial timetable, etc.

12.8 Enquiries on how the LCSD would prevent swimming coaches from conducting commercial activities in the coaching area were raised;

12.9 It was pointed out that both the outdoor and indoor pools of the swimming pool were closed for maintenance at the moment. It was worried that the trial scheme would cause further inconvenience to members of the public. It was reflected that the construction period of the indoor pool was longer than before and it was

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hoped that the LCSD could give explanations on the time required for the works and the details of the works;

12.10 It was hoped that the LCSD could remove planters with unsatisfactory hygiene condition;

12.11 It was pointed out that most swimming lanes were not open to the public during the swimming season. It was opined that the LCSD should regulate and restrict coaching and training activities to avoid causing inconvenience to swimmers;

12.12 It was pointed out that the health conditions of plants near Lei Yue Mun Memorial Archway and on the covered walkway in Lei Yue Mun Waterfront Sitting-out Area were poor, affecting the cityscape and causing inconvenience to members of the public. It was therefore opined that the LCSD should remove those greening facilities;

12.13 It was opined that an item should be added to the agenda for the next meeting so that the LCSD and Members could discuss matters related to the greening measures and horticultural maintenance work;

12.14 It was pointed out that there were public coaching areas in both Morrison Hill Swimming Pool and Victoria Park Swimming Pool, but frontline staff in that district reflected that the effect of this measure was insignificant when the user flow was high. Therefore, it was opined that the designation of public coaching areas might not be able to improve the management of swimming pools. Enquiries about whether the measure of designating public coaching areas had obtained the authorisation and permission of the Director of the LCSD and whether allowing commercial activities to take place in public facilities would contradict with the Public Swimming Pools Regulation;

12.15 It was opined that designating public coaching areas was not a means to solve the problem of the user flow. It was suggested that the LCSD should consider limiting the number of swimming pool users;

12.16 Gratitude was expressed to the LCSD for responding to the public aspiration by providing additional closed circuit televisions in Laguna Park. It was hoped that the works could be finalised as soon as possible;

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12.17 It was agreed that the LCSD should first launch a trial of the public coaching area. However, it was hoped that the LCSD could face squarely the situation of private coaching activities taking place in public coaching areas. It was also hoped that the LCSD could provide more information on the timetable and review of the trial of designating the public coaching area;

12.18 It was suggested that the LCSD should review the Greening Master Plan and identify places with the need for plant removal or greening work;

12.19 Support for the designation of a public coaching area on a time-limited and trial basis was received. At the same time, it was suggested that the LCSD identify swimming coaches by asking coaches to register;

12.20 Enquiries were raised about whether the four swimming lanes in the public coaching area would be allocated according to the swimming competencies of swimmers and about the arrangements of the swimming lane directions. In addition, it was hoped that a better understanding of the impact on the management of the swimming pool caused by the relevant arrangements could be given;

12.21 Enquires were raised about the staffing arrangement in regard to the crowd management in the public coaching area and the LCSD’s method of handling cases related to disorderly acts;

12.22 It was pointed out that 40% of the teaching pool no. 2 of Kwun Tong Swimming Pool was currently serving as a coaching area. It was opined that the designation of a public coaching area would affect other swimmers and was hoped that the LCSD could strike a balance between the interests of members of the public and swimming learners;

12.23 Enquires about other swimming pools with public coaching areas were raised. It was remarked that as there were a number of housing estates around Kwun Tong Swimming Pool, the implementation of a half-year trial would affect the residents nearby. It was opined that the LCSD should address the problem carefully. It was hoped that the LCSD could provide other examples to show that the designation of public coaching areas in swimming pools of a similar size and condition had indeed improved the management of swimming pools so as to prevent the measure from affecting members of the public in the district; and

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12.24 It was suggested that the LCSD conduct a review three months after the implementation of the trial.

13. The representative of the LCSD responded as follows:

13.1 The LCSD remarked that notices would be put up at locations such as swimming pool entrances to inform swimmers about the arrangement of the designation of a coaching area in the swimming pool. Under the LCSD, there were six swimming pools with public coaching areas at the moment. The views gathered at these swimming pools reflected that most swimmers became more disciplined after the designation of public coaching areas, helping to maintain the order at swimming pools and improving the management of swimming pools;

13.2 The LCSD had been striving to promote sports and swimming among the general public. Under the prerequisite of promoting swimming and taking care of the actual needs of members of the public, the LCSD would allow coaching activities in public swimming pools as a means of promoting swimming as a sport, as long as such activities were carried out in an orderly manner and did not cause disturbance or nuisance to other swimmers;

13.3 There were five swimming pools in Kwun Tong swimming pool at the moment, providing various swimming areas, such as lap swimming lanes, coaching areas and swimming areas available for hire by organisations, etc. Taking into account the safety of swimming learners, the LCSD opined that it would be more appropriate to designate a public coaching area within the shallow zone. Therefore, the LCSD suggested partitioning off two swimming lanes of the teaching area for use as a designated area for public coaching in order to improve the management of the swimming pool and reduce the nuisance caused to other swimmers;

13.4 In regard to the renting of swimming lanes, even after the designation of public coaching area, the LCSD would rent out swimming lanes according to the established departmental guidelines and actual circumstances so as to make sure the number of swimming lanes rented out would account for less than 50 percent of the total number of swimming lanes. In addition, in order to strike a balance between the needs of members of the public and swimming learners, Kwun Tong Swimming Pool would only open some of its swimming lanes to qualified organisations or training classes organised by the LCSD during times slots with

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fewer users (Monday to Friday: whole day; Saturday: morning to 1 p.m.) in general;

13.5 In regard to the way of implementation, the LCSD hoped that members of the public could retain the freedom in choosing swimming areas. Therefore, the LCSD did not consider carrying out registration for swimmers in the coaching area;

13.6 The trial of designating a public coaching area was scheduled to be carried out between 16 April and October 2019. During this period, the LCSD would monitor and review the plan, as well as putting the views collected on record so as to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan in future and adopt appropriate follow-up measures in due course;

13.7 In regard to staffing arrangement, lifeguards on duty and officers-in-charge at various levels would be responsible for conducting regular patrols and handling irregularities. The LCSD would also arrange current staff to monitor the order in the coaching area;

13.8 The six swimming pools with designated public coaching areas were Morrison Hill Swimming Pool, Siu Sai Wan Swimming Pool, Victoria Park Swimming Pool, Lai Chi Kok Park Swimming Pool, Yuen Long Swimming Pool and Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool, among which both Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool and Lai Chi Kok Park Swimming Pool were located in areas packed with housing estates; and

13.9 In regard to the horticultural maintenance of Green Belt areas or greenery plants under the Greening Master Plan, the LCSD remarked that they had arranged contractors to water and prune plants on a regular basis. The LCSD would arrange staff to conduct inspections, hear Members’ views and follow up on flower beds in unsatisfactory condition after the meeting. In addition, the LCSD was only responsible for the horticultural maintenance of the abovementioned Green Belt areas or greening plants. If there was a need to remove the relevant Green Belt areas for public walkways and other uses, other relevant departments should be contacted for coordination work and follow-up actions as the LCSD was not responsible for this work.

14. The Chairman remarked that although most Members were in doubt about the

10 effectiveness of designating a public coaching area, the inconveniences caused by coaching activities to other swimmers still required handling. After deliberations, the Committee did not object to the idea of first conducting a half-year trial starting from the 2019 swimming season before deciding whether to implement the designation of a public coaching area in Kwun Tong Swimming Pool. In addition, the Chairman suggested the Committee conduct inspections at the swimming pool in the middle of the swimming season so as to gain first-hand information of the enforcement and effectiveness of the scheme. The Chairman also suggested the LCSD conduct a customer opinion survey in October (after the completion of the trial) for collecting data in regard to the effectiveness of the public coaching area so that the Committee of the next term could evaluate the effectiveness of the measure. In regard to the Green Belt areas or greening plants under the Greening Master Plan, the Chairman urged the LCSD to evaluate the quality of greening facility management before the next meeting so that Members could reflect their views to the LCSD during the next meeting and reach a consensus with the LCSD on handling methods.

(Post-meeting note: the Secretariat wrote an email on April 4 to invite Members to make improvement suggestions on the district horticultural maintenance carried out under the Greening Master Plan. After consultations, individual Members reflected that some roadside flower beds under the Greening Master Plan blocked the vision of pedestrians and obstructed walkways, and the vegetation maintenance work of some roadside flower beds needed improvement. The LCSD gained an understanding from relevant Members immediately so as to facilitate its follow-up actions in places under its purview.)

15. Members noted the paper and endorsed the suggestions in paras. 6, 7 and 10 of the paper.

V. Report on the Utilisation of Community Centres/Community Halls in Kwun Tong (KTDC DFMC Paper No. 11/2019)

16. Miss Iris SHUM of the KTDO presented the paper.

17. Two Members raised views and enquiries as follows:

17.1 As the facilities in (West) Estate Community Centre were relatively obsolete when compared with those in other community centres in the district, it was suggested that the KTDO should reconstruct the community centre. It was hoped that the KTDO could provide information related to the reconstruction of the community centre after the meeting; and

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17.2 It was suggested that the KTDO should make use of the Environment and Conservation Fund to acquire energy-saving facilities, such as solar panels, for the community centre so as to promote environmental protection.

18. The representative of the KTDO noted Members’ views and would explain the matters related to the reconstruction of the community centre to Members after the meeting.

19. Members noted the paper.

VI. Progress Report on Recreational and Cultural Works in Kwun Tong (KTDC DFMC Paper No. 12/2019)

20. Mr Eddie LO of the LCSD presented the paper.

21. Four Members raised views and enquiries as follows:

21.1 It was opined that the Lands Administration Office (LAO) and the LCSD were shirking responsibility onto each other in regard to the development of the site in Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground. It was hoped that the departments could meet with local individuals and make a detailed explanation on the development of the site;

21.2 Local aspirations for the development of the site in Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground were reflected. It was suggested that a letter should be issued to relevant departments, urging the relevant departments to use the site as an open space as soon as possible;

21.3 Objections were raised in regard to the provision of parking spaces at the site in Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground by the Transport Department (TD). It was requested that the LCSD finalise the development plan as soon as possible so that members of the public could enjoy the open space;

21.4 It was incomprehensible that the site in Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground had originally been granted to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) by way of temporary government land allocation. It was opined that the LAO had neglected the Committee’s view of supporting the Home Affairs Bureau

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(HAB)’s applying for the site for turf planting. It was pointed out that mosquito problems had arisen because the EMSD parked unwanted vehicles at the site;

21.5 It was remarked that as the population of the district continued to grow, relevant departments should study and finalise the development of the site in Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground as soon as possible so as to cope with local needs;

21.6 It was pointed out that at the launch of the development of ex- Kaolin Mine Site, relevant departments had promised to provide residents in that area with corresponding community facilities. It was suggested that the LCSD report on the progress of the development project of Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground and finalise the works as soon as possible; and

21.7 Support in regard to the provision of an underground public car park at the site by the TD was received. It was suggested that consideration could be given to arranging the EMSD to use some of the space of the underground car park.

22. The representative of the LAO responded that the site in Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground had been allocated as open space in 1987. As no applications for permanent site allocation had been received, the LAO, based on the principle of optimised utilisation, had granted the site in Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground to the EMSD by way of temporary government land allocation since 1991 so that government vehicles could be parked there. At present, the LAO was processing the EMSD’s application for extension of occupation period of the site to July 2021 in accordance with established procedures. If the LAO received applications for permanent site allocation from the LCSD, the LAO would ask the EMSD to return the site in accordance with the terms stated in the papers of the temporary government land allocation. At the same time, the LAO pointed out that the site was big and many vehicles were parked there. If the EMSD requested for help, the LAO would strive to cooperate with the EMSD and implement the long-term development plan of the site.

23. The LCSD thanked Members for their concern and understanding in regard to the development of the site in Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground. The LCSD remarked that the HAB and the LCSD had been considering the development of the site and the HAB had studied in 2017/18 the feasibility of developing the site into a temporary holding nursery until 2023 so that the future operator of the Kai Tak Sports Park could use the site for planting and conducting tests for the turfs of the sports park. At the same time, the LCSD and relevant departments had strived to make progress on the planning of Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground and conducted an overall study in regard to its development scale, hoping to finalise the works after the period of the temporary use

13 of the site was over. After that, the Lands Department had remarked at the end of 2018 that the site had to be granted to the EMSD by way of short term land allocation for the parking of government vehicles. Therefore, the HAB was not able to use the site as a temporary holding nursery. In regard to the progress of the planning of Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground, the LCSD and the TD were conducting a preliminary study at the moment. When planning to develop the site as an open area, the feasibility of providing a public car park would be taken into consideration too. Relevant departments would consult the District Council on the development scale upon the completion of the study and would launch the works in accordance with the established procedures for public works projects.

24. The Chairman pointed out that the site in Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground had been zoned as a Green Belt area long before. Therefore, the Committee objected to using the site for any non-green purposes. The Chairman remarked that the LAO should act as the gatekeeper, reject the EMSD’s application for extending its use of the site and ask the EMSD to move out from it. The Chairman hoped the LCSD could press ahead with and implement the development plan as soon as possible. The Chairman suggested the LCSD meet with Members before the next meeting to discuss the preliminary development plan.

25. Members noted the paper.

VII. Progress Report on the East Kowloon Cultural Centre at Lower Estate

26. Mr Eddie LO Wai-pan of the LCSD reported on the works progress.

27. Members noted the report.

VIII. Report on Site Inspection of District Minor Works in Kwun Tong (KTDC DFMC Paper No. 13/2019)

28. Members noted the paper.

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IX. Progress Report on District Minor Works (KTDC DFMC Paper No. 14/2019)

29. Mr Anthony LEUNG of Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Limited presented the paper.

30. Members noted the paper.

X. New Proposals on District Minor Works in Kwun Tong for 2018/19 (KTDC DFMC Paper No. 15/2019)

31. Miss Amy CHOW of the KTDO presented the paper.

32. Members endorsed the paper.

XI. Proposed Outline for 2019/20 Work Plan of the DFMC (KTDC DFMC Paper No. 16/2019)

33. The Secretary presented the paper.

34. Members endorsed the paper.

XII. DFMC Financial Statement for 2018/19 (KTDC DFMC Paper No. 17/2019)

35. The Secretary presented the paper.

36. Members endorsed the paper.

XIII. Any Other Business

Following up on the Matters related to O King Road

37. Members enquired about the matters related to O King Road discussed at the last meeting.

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38. The Chairman remarked that the road section mainly involved Sai Kung District. Therefore, it would be better for Sai Kung Distirct to follow up on those matters.

XIV. Date of Next Meeting

39. The next meeting was scheduled to be held at 2:30 p.m. on 16 May 2019 (Thursday).

40. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

The minutes of the meeting were confirmed on 16 May 2019.

Kwun Tong District Council Secretariat May 2019

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