Minutes of the 8th Meeting of the Southern District Council (SDC) (2016-2019)

Date : 19 January 2017 Time : 2:30 p.m. Venue : SDC Conference Room

Present: Mr CHU Ching-hong, JP (Chairman) Mr CHAN Fu-ming, MH (Vice-Chairman) Mr AU Lap-sing, MH Mr AU Nok-hin Mr CHAI Man-hon Mrs CHAN LEE Pui-ying Ms CHEUNG Sik-yung, MH Mr CHU Lap-wai Mr FUNG Se-goun, Fergus Mr LAM Kai-fai, MH Ms LAM Yuk-chun, MH Mr LO Kin-hei Dr MAK TSE How-ling, Ada, MH Mr TSUI Yuen-wa Ms YAM Pauline Mr Paul ZIMMERMAN

Absent with Apologies: Ms CHAN Judy Kapui

Secretary: Ms YIP Wai-see, Priscilla Senior Executive Officer (District Council), Southern District Office, Home Affairs Department

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In Attendance:

Mr CHOW Chor-tim, JP District Officer (Southern), Home Affairs Department Miss TSE Nga-lap, Lilian Assistant District Officer (Southern), Home Affairs Department Mr CHAN Ip-to, Tony Senior Executive Officer (District Management), Southern District Office, Home Affairs Department Ms LO Mun-wah, Cindy Senior Liaison Officer (1), Southern District Office, Home Affairs Department Miss CHOW Suk-yee, Jessica Senior Liaison Officer (2), Southern District Office, Home Affairs Department Mr LEE Kan-fat District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Southern), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Mr CHEUNG Wing Keung, District Leisure Manager (Southern), Wicky Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr HSU Kam-lung, Virgil Cheif Manager/M (HKI), Housing Department Mr HO Kwan-hang, Albert Chief Transport Officer/HK, Transport Department Mr SIN Chi-sing Deputy District Commander (Western), Hong Kong Police Force Mr LO Yee-chung Training & Staff Relations Officer (Western District) Hong Kong Police Force Mr Anka LEUNG Senior Engineer/SIL 1, Highways Department Mr Johnny CHAN Senior Engineer/Priority Railway 3, Transport Department Mr Edmund WONG Operations Manager – SIL, for agenda MTR Corporation Limited item 3 Mr Thomas LI Senior Construction Engineer – Civil, MTR Corporation Limited Ms Samantha SIU Public Relations Manager - Projects & Property, MTR Corporation Limited

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Ms CHOI Suk-kuen, Shirley Senior Manager (Cultural Services) Hong Kong West, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Miss LAI Ching-yee, Olivia Senior Librarian (Southern), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Miss LAU Sin-yan, Irene Assistant Manager (Hong Kong West) Marketing, Programme and District for agenda Activities, Leisure and Cultural item 5 Services Department Ms CHAN Siu-kuen, Catalina Librarian, Aberdeen Public Library, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms HA Chung-wan, Joanne Deputy District Leisure Manager, (District Support) Southern, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms Winnie YIP Cluster General Manager (Administrative Services), Hong Kong West Cluster, Hospital Authority Ms Pinky MAK Senior Hospital Manager (Planning and Commissioning), Queen Mary Hospital for agenda Mr Jimmy WONG Public and Community Relations item 6 Officer, Queen Mary Hospital Ms Julia CHIU Hospital Administrator II (Public and Media Relations), Queen Mary Hospital

Opening Remarks:

The Chairman welcomed Members and regular government representatives to the meeting.

2. The Chairman advised the meeting that Ms CHAN Judy Kapui had submitted an application for absence from this meeting due to confinement (i.e. applicable to a meeting scheduled within a period of up to 10 weeks inclusive of a period of two weeks or more, but less than four weeks before the expected date of confinement and a period of six weeks or more, but less than eight weeks after the actual date of

3 confinement). Ms CHAN Judy Kapui’s leave application was now accepted in accordance with Order 51 of the Southern District Council Standing Orders.

3. The Chairman continued that the meeting would be conducted in accordance with the established arrangement, under which each Member would be allotted a maximum of two three-minute slots to speak in respect of each agenda item. He also reminded Members to speak as concise as possible. The electronic timer would beep when it reached two minutes 30 seconds and three minutes of each speaking slot respectively. The suggested duration for discussion of the agenda items had also been e-mailed to Members before the meeting (Reference Paper 1). The Secretary estimated that the meeting would come to a close no sooner than 5:40 p.m., and if Members wished to leave earlier, they should inform the secretariat staff as early as possible.

Part I – Items for Discussion

Agenda Item 1: Confirmation of the draft minutes of the 7th SDC meeting held on 17 November 2016 [2:34 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.]

4. The Chairman said that prior to the meeting, the draft minutes of the 7th SDC meeting had been circulated to Members for comments. The Secretariat had not received any amendment proposals so far.

5. The Chairman asked Members to endorse the minutes of the 7th SDC meeting.

6. SDC confirmed the minutes of its 7th meeting.

Agenda Item 2: Matters Arising (SDC Paper No. 8/2017) [2:35 p.m.]

7. The Chairman asked Members to note the contents of the paper.

8. Members noted the contents of the paper.

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(Mr Anka LEUNG, Mr Johnny CHAN, Mr Edmund WONG, Mr Thomas LI and Ms Samantha SIU joined the meeting at 2:35 p.m.)

Agenda Item 3: Issues relating to the South Island Line (East) Scheme (SDC Paper No. 9/2017) [2:35 p.m. – 3:57 p.m.]

9. The Chairman welcomed the following representatives of the government departments concerned and MTR Corporation Limited (MTRC) to the meeting:

(i) Mr Anka LEUNG, Senior Engineer/South Island Line 1 of the Highways Department (HyD); (ii) Mr Johnny CHAN, Senior Engineer/Priority Railway 3 of the Transport Department (TD); (iii) Mr Edmund WONG, Operations Manager - SIL of MTRC; (iv) Mr Thomas LI, Senior Construction Engineer - Civil of MTRC; and (v) Ms Samantha SIU, Public Relations Manager - Projects & Property of MTRC.

(Mr TSUI Yuen-wa joined the meeting at 2:36 p.m.)

10. The Chairman was delighted to learn of the successful commissioning of the South Island Line (East) (SIL(E)) on 28 December 2016. As further follow-up on certain matters relating to this Scheme was required, HyD, TD and MTRC were invited to send representatives to this meeting for joining the discussion. Also, this SDC meeting was the final regular session for MTRC representatives to report on the SIL(E) Scheme.

11. The Chairman suggested that the order for discussion on this agenda item should start with a briefing by MTRC representatives on the contents of the paper, and then proceed to discuss the contents of the paper concerned in conjunction with the follow-up items contained in the table of Reference Information - 2 and matters relating to SIL(E). The Chairman continued that just like other agenda items, two speaking slots would be given to each Member who might speak for up to three minutes in each round of speaking. The Chairman asked Members whether approval would be given to the above arrangement.

12. Members did not raise any objection.

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13. The Chairman invited the MTRC representatives to brief Members on the contents of the paper.

(Mr AU Nok-hin and Mr FUNG Se-goun joined the meeting at 2:38 p.m.)

14. Ms Samantha SIU, with the aid of PowerPoint presentation (PowerPoint - 1), briefed Members on the progress of the construction works of SIL(E), the temporary traffic management schemes (TTMSs) and the community liaison activities. She said that SIL(E) had formally commenced service on 28 December 2016. On the whole, the railway enjoyed smooth operation with about 110 000 passenger trips recorded daily. She continued that MTRC had also organised a series of community liaison activities, including “Our Thanks to the Community Ceremony” on 17 December 2016 in gratitude for the support of the Community Liaison Group and other partner organisations of the SIL(E) Scheme, inviting Members for a trial ride before the commissioning of the railway in December 2016, “South Island Line Stations Open Day” on 24 December 2016 for residents and members of the public to preview the stations and familiarise themselves with the operation of station facilities as well as a ceremony to celebrate the commissioning of the railway on the first day of service on 28 December 2016. She supplemented that it was inevitable that some teething problems might arise during early stages of railway operation. MTRC had already formulated contingency measures and handling mechanism in an effort to reduce the inconvenience caused to passengers. She thanked the community for their support and understanding.

15. The Chairman asked Members to raise comments or enquiries on the contents of the paper, follow-up items contained in the table of Reference Information - 2 and matters relating to the SIL(E) Scheme.

16. Regarding item 9 of Reference Information - 2 “Enquiry on compensatory tree planting between Yuk Kwai Shan Plant Building and the stone wall”, Mr LAM Kai-fai, MH enquired about details of the planting of trees along the sidewalk in front of Yuk Kwai Shan Plant Building at Lee Nam Road.

17. Ms CHEUNG Sik-yung, MH raised comments and enquiries as follows:

(i) she opined that the actual daily ridership of SIL(E) should exceed 110 000 passenger trips; and

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(ii) regarding the suggestions made by quite a number of residents on the departure time of the first train from South Horizons Station, she said that currently, interchanging commuters on the first departure from South Horizons Station at 6:00 a.m. were often unable to catch the train towards Chai Wan at Admiralty Station, and had to wait a few more minutes before boarding on the next train. In response to the public’s request, MTRC was urged to advance the departure time of the first train from South Horizons Station earlier, enabling interchanging commuters to catch the train towards Chai Wan at Admiralty Station.

18. Regarding item 1b of Reference Information - 2 “Improvement measures for the Wong Chuk Hang Station Public Transport Interchange (PTI) - All-weather covered access”, Mr CHU Lap-wai asked whether a shelter would be provided for the existing minibus stands without shelter (such as green minibus (GMB) route nos. 4M and 5M); and if implemented, when the works would commence. He said that despite that the agreement entered into between MTRC and TD did not include the requirement of the construction of all-weather covered accesses, SDC had all along sought to pursue this matter. Moreover, public complaints received upon the commissioning of SIL(E) had questioned why there was no shelter provided for the minibus stands so far while such a facility had already been made available at the bus stops.

19. Mrs CHAN LEE Pui-ying raised comments and enquiries as follows:

(i) she enquired about the works progress of item 4 of Reference Information - 2 “Enquiry on whether a tactile guide path is being omitted for provision of a section of walkway between Ocean Park Station and the minibus stand towards Stanley”; (ii) with a relatively low patronage, GMB route no. 40M had to pick up/drop off passengers at San Wai, Wong Chuk Hang, on its return journey. Nevertheless, there was a lack of suitable pedestrian crossing facilities in its vicinity. As such, it was proposed to formulate improvement measures to safeguard the safety of pedestrians crossing carriageways; and (iii) it was the duty of Members to monitor the operation of SIL(E) stations. However, Members had to pay for their own travelling expenses. It was suggested that MTRC should sponsor the travelling expenses incurred by Members during their site inspections on the operation of SIL(E) stations.

(Mr LO Kin-hei and Mr Paul ZIMMERMAN joined the meeting at 2:48 p.m.)

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20. Mr TSUI Yuen-wa raised comments and enquiries as follows:

(i) he was aware of the fact that this SDC meeting was the final regular session for MTRC representatives to report on the SIL (E) Scheme. However, there were quite a number of outstanding matters relating to SIL(E) (such as property development projects above Wong Chuk Hang Station, TTMSs, etc.) that required close follow-up with MTRC. As such, he asked whether a mechanism would be introduced whereby regular meetings between Members and MTRC representatives be convened in the future; (ii) he asked MTRC whether fare-saver machines would be set up at Shum Wan and Aberdeen Squash and Tennis Centre; (iii) he asked MTRC when the greening works for the abutments along a section of Heung Yip Path between MTR Wong Chuk Hang Station and Ocean Court would commence; (iv) quite many residents had lodged complaints against the severe rodent problem and an incident in which a person was bitten by stray dogs at the pet garden near Heung Yip Path. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) were urged to follow up on the related matters; (v) the carrying capacity of the passenger lift adjacent to Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market was too low. With an increasing people flow in the area concerned, riders had to wait for the next two to three cars before boarding the lift; (vi) he was aware of the fact that there was still on-going liaison between LCSD and HyD on which party should undertake maintenance of plants along Heung Yip Path. The departments concerned were urged to take care of the plants at the location concerned before a decision was made; and (vii) upon completion of works at a section between Welfare Road and MTR Wong Chuk Hang Station, railings erected along the sidewalk concerned had not been removed so far, causing obstruction to pedestrians.

21. Ms LAM Yuk-chun, MH raised comments and enquiries as follows:

(i) she asked MTRC about the works progress of reprovisioning of walkway in the vicinity of South Horizons, and urged MTRC to give an account of the related details and progress accordingly, in order to facilitate future follow-up; and

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(ii) regarding item 10 of Reference Information - 2 “Arrangements for fares, concessions and fare saver machines”, as this SDC meeting was the final regular session for MTRC representatives to report on the SIL (E) Scheme, she asked MTRC how they would continue to follow up on this matter in the future and when the related details be announced accordingly.

22. Mr FUNG Se-goun raised comments and enquiries as follows:

(i) despite that the commissioning of SIL(E) might not be able to directly benefit some people, the community generally welcomed its commissioning; (ii) parking concessions offered by the car park of Ocean Park Station was so attractive that many motorists would either park their vehicles in the car park concerned or drop off passengers at the location concerned for MTR interchange. However, many of them had failed to recognise that the layby for picking up/dropping off passengers was located at Ocean Park Road next to Ocean Park Station Exit A. Given the relatively wide walkway along Wong Chuk Hang Road adjacent to Ocean Park Station Exit C with the setting up of bus stops, many vehicles had picked up/dropped off passengers at the bus stops or simply at roadside, posing high risk and causing accidents easily. In view of this, it was suggested that TD should provide a layby for pick-up/drop-off activities at the location concerned to facilitate passengers boarding on/alighting private vehicles and minibuses, as well as safeguarding the safety of pedestrians; and (iii) many residents had expressed grave concern over the problem of insufficient road-crossing facilities along Wong Chuk Hang Road. Given the lack of pedestrian crossing facilities at the above location, there were an increasing number of jaywalkers, regardless of adults, children and the elderly, posing safety hazards at the location concerned. The findings of his survey revealed that residents in Shouson Hill requested for additional pedestrian crossing facilities at the above location, e.g. footbridges or other facilities for the safety of pedestrians crossing carriageways. In this regard, TD and MTRC were urged to liaise on the related matter and follow up accordingly.

23. Dr MAK TSE How-ling, MH said that although the SIL(E) had been put into service, its works-related project items were not yet complete, the station facilities of SIL(E) were not fully-fledged, MTRC gave no account of the Fare Savers and made no proposal on the compensation arrangement for residents for the delays in the commissioning of SIL(E). In this regard, she would like to express her discontent

9 over the last regular progress report concerning SIL(E) made by the representatives of MTRC in this SDC meeting. She remarked that this was a sign of disrespect to the SDC and urged the representatives of MTRC to continue attending SDC meeting in the future with a view to following up the relevant matters until completion of the related works.

24. Mr Paul ZIMMERMAN raised the following comments and enquiries:

(i) he requested that the representatives of MTRC should continue to attend the coming SDC meetings for at least six months. He considered this request reasonable as it enabled SDC to follow up the relevant matters. Furthermore, he asked the representatives of MTRC at this meeting to promise that they would continue to attend the coming SDC meetings for at least six months; (ii) with the commissioning of SIL(E) and the stations put into operation, the pedestrian flow and pattern of pedestrian crossing would be different; hence, he suggested that a survey be conducted in the next three months after the commissioning of SIL(E) in order to grasp how the crossing mode of the passengers and residents was actually like, and make the appropriate arrangement as needed. According to his observation, a majority of the passengers leaving Ocean Park Station would walk across the road illegally for the bus stop heading to Stanley and Shouson Hill. He opined that MTRC had the responsibility to take immediate steps to solve the problem so as to minimise the accidents; and (iii) he would continue to follow up the ugly appearance of the Wong Chuk Hang Station PTI closely. He said that as the first package of the above-station property development project of Wong Chuk Hang Station was being tendered, he would continue to request that the future developer should undertake the relevant improvement works.

25. Mr AU Nok-hin raised the following comments and enquiries:

(i) regarding the works at Lei Tung Station, he said that at present only the provision of a cover outside Exit B was not yet complete. The addition of cover was originally intended to provide an effective shelter from the wind and rain for pedestrians, and the cover would be extended to include the Station as well as the side of the exit under the footbridge. However, according to the draft plan submitted by MTRC to the Incorporated Owners of Lei Tung Estate earlier on, MTRC planned to construct a cover with

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retractable design. Residents doubted if the designed cover could effectively serve to provide a shelter from the weather or not. Despite that a fire escape was involved in the area, he stressed that the addition of a cover had been high on the agenda before the design of fire escape was put forward. The location of this cover had been discussed and come up with the suggestion. He proposed that MTRC should discuss with representatives of the local residents and the Fire Services Department (FSD) and make compromises on the issue. He also enquired of MTRC when the modification plan would be submitted and about the expected completion time; and (ii) he urged MTRC to install a Fare Saver at Yue On Court and suggested the provision of Fare Saver at a location around the carpark under the management of the Link Asset Management Limited (the LINK). He said that enquiries had been made to the LINK and Lands Department (LandsD) concerning the provision of Fare Saver. The LINK replied that this suggestion involved land title issue and thus needed to consult LandsD, which responded that application should be made to the Independent Checking Unit of Housing Department (HD). To this end, he wished to clarify with the representative of HD whether the above suggestion should seek approval from its Independent Checking Unit.

26. Mr CHAI Man-hon raised the following comments and enquiries:

(i) he requested setting up of a standing mechanism to follow up the issues related to the SIL(E) projects in order to avoid errors and omissions as well as the follow-up matters being brushed off casually; (ii) the lighting at Wong Chuk Hang Station PTI was too bad, in particular it was much worse for the westbound carriageway off Exit A2 of Wong Chuk Hang Station. The area had been provided with two arrays of lights but it was found that only one of the arrays were on. Even if it was a sunny day, the glare produced was a serious problem and prone to accidents as pedestrians might not notice vehicles entering from the left side, especially black cars. The situation would deteriorate when the daylight turned dark. Therefore, he requested that apart from strengthening the lighting equipment in the said area, it was also necessary to consider an effective proposal to facilitate pedestrian crossing of the road safety so as to help reduce accidents; (iii) there was room for improvement in the parking management of the Wong Chuk Hang Station PTI. More and more vehicles were parking at the venue. Despite the fact that a certain part of the area opposite the Ocean Park had

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been designated for parking coaches. However, illegal parking of coach was still serious in that area. He urged the Police to step up their enforcement action; (iv) construction of the Wong Chuk Hang Station PTI involved spending of over $20 million and required additional allocation of fund. But the taxi stand inside was under poor arrangement resulting in a very long waiting time. He hoped that the relevant departments could work out an improvement proposal accordingly; and (v) while the operation of Wong Chuk Hang Station PTI required on-going improvement, he suggested better utilisation of the facilities, for example, considering designation of certain locations for promotion of tourism or district publicity.

27. Mr CHAN Fu-ming, MH said that SDC had discussed and requested MTRC from time to time that a proposed compensation arrangement should be made for the delay in the commissioning of SIL(E) for one year. He asked MTRC whether it was still studying the proposed compensation arrangement and would like to know the result thereof.

28. The Chairman invited the MTRC representatives to respond.

29. Ms Samantha SIU gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) apart from encouraging the public to reach the nearby MTRC stations on foot, the provision of Fare Savers also aimed at expanding the customer source so as to achieve a win-win situation. There was a set of established criteria for providing Fare Savers, for instance, the walking distance should not be too short or too long, while the selected location should have power supply and sufficient space. At present, MTRC was considering some suggested locations for installing Fare Savers and identifying more suitable locations for the provision of Fare Savers. There was no fixed plan yet for the time being; (ii) regarding a proposed compensation arrangement for the delay in the commissioning of SIL(E) for one year, she understood that Members had all along been expecting the timely commissioning of SIL(E). Nevertheless, the works had met with challenges during the construction period, leading to the delay in the commissioning of SIL(E). However, the project team had endeavoured to work out all possible ways to complete the works as soon as possible and facilitate commissioning of the railway line as early as possible.

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Furthermore, SIL(E)’s fares are competitiveness and MTRC had launched various concessionary offers, such as interchange discounts, to align with the commissioning of SIL(E). MTRC was also considering the suggestions on locations for Fare Savers and identifying some suitable places for installing the Fare Savers; (iii) regarding the above-station property development project of Wong Chuk Hang Station, officers of MTRC who were responsible for property development would consult SDC and attend SDC meeting if necessary; and (iv) since the Wong Chuk Hang Station PTI was no longer subject to the management of MTRC and had been handed over to and managed by the relevant government departments. Hence, it was not appropriate to stipulate in the tender that the future developer of Wong Chuk Hang Comprehensive Development Area was requested to undertake the relevant improvement works.

30. Mr Thomas LI gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) MTRC had been following up the planting of trees on the pavement at Lee Nam Road. But the implementation had encountered difficulties, such as underground utilities were found. MTRC was exploring the feasibility of planting trees to the said area; (ii) regarding the carrying capacity of the lift adjacent to Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market, the design of the lift was in compliance with the requirements of the Government. The lift was mainly intended for use by people in need. A staircase had also been provided for pedestrians to use the adjoining footbridge; (iii) he would follow up the railings pending removal from the pavement of Welfare Road and the concealed tactile guide path after the meeting; (iv) the reprovisioning of walkway at South Horizons was expected to complete in the first quarter of this year, and it was being followed up and discussed with the relevant government departments and South Horizons Management Office in respect of the handover arrangement; and (v) regarding the addition of a cover at Exit B of Lei Tung Station, discussion with the relevant government departments (especially FSD) was still underway. The works was expected to complete in the latter half of this year.

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31. Concerning the departure time of the first train of SIL(E) from South Horizons Station, Mr Edmund WONG gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) most MTR lines were operated for an average of 19 hours per day. As such, the engineering personnel could only conduct the maintenance works after the service time in the early hours; otherwise, maintenance at daytime would affect operation of the train; (ii) each time, before carrying out maintenance works, some routine safety measures had to be put in place with lead time exceeded one hour. Hence, on average, the maintenance works was required to be completed in about four hours, which was a very stringent time constraint; (iii) in scheduling the departure time of the first train of the routes (including SIL(E)), MTRC had to take into account the above factor in order to allow sufficient time for conducting the maintenance works; meanwhile, consideration should also be given to the interchange arrangements with other lines at Admiralty, namely the Island Line heading to Chai Wan and heading to Kennedy Town and the Tsuen Wan Lines heading to Central and heading to Tsuen Wan respectively. After careful consideration of all aspects, the first train of SIL(E) could only depart from South Horizons Station at 6 o’clock in the morning at the earliest; and (iv) he noted the Member’s proposal on the departure time of the first train of SIL(E) from South Horizons Station and would conduct a review in due course.

32. The Chairman invited representatives of TD to respond.

33. Mr Johnny CHAN gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) according to his knowledge, HyD was now processing the project documents of the construction works for the all-weather cover at Wong Chuk Hang Station PTI. But he was not sure about the details, so he hoped that representative of HyD could give an account of the matter in this meeting; (ii) the design of the cover to be constructed at the green minibus (GMB) stand would need to be accommodated with the design of the construction of all-weather covered access at Wong Chuk Hang Station PTI carried out by HyD. Hence, TD would consider both design concurrently and liaise with the relevant GMB operators to discuss the matters; (iii) regarding the pedestrian crossing facilities on Wong Chuk Hang Road, TD

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noted in the first week of the commissioning of SIL(E), there was jaywalking on Wong Chuk Hang Road and Heung Yip Road. TD was working out some improvement plan in order to ensure the safety of pedestrians in crossing the roads. However, TD had come across some difficulties in the course of its study of providing pedestrian aids, for example, the two voids lain between Heung Yip Road near the PTI and the two carpark entrances could not be closed. The voids had also been a cause of jaywalking in the sense that some pedestrians who worked in the Wong Chuk Hang industrial area crossed the road illegally. TD was now considering setting up a safety island so that the public could see the traffic condition clearly before crossing the road; and (iv) concerning the pick-up / drop-off point of passengers near the Ocean Park, he hoped that MTRC could put forward a plan to reduce the illegal pick-up and drop-off of passengers at the roundabout.

34. Mr Edmund WONG added that before the SIL(E) commenced service, MTRC had discussed with TD the road traffic condition in the vicinity of Ocean Park Station. It was also understood that drivers needed some time to familiarise themselves with the circumstances of that section of road. He would consider strengthening dissemination of the message in pamphlets and homepage of MTRC after the meeting; and work with the Ocean Park Corporation for putting up signs on the nearby roads in order to guide the drivers.

35. The Chairman invited the HyD representative to respond.

36. Regarding item 1b of Reference Information - 2 “Improvement measures for the Wong Chuk Hang Station PTI - All-weather covered access”, Mr Anka LEUNG responded that HyD was preparing the document for funding application and MTRC had been invited to provide the preliminary design. Upon completion of the relevant procedures, there would be consultation with SDC.

37. The Chairman invited representatives of LCSD to respond.

38. Mr Wicky CHEUNG gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) concerning the rodent infestation and stray dogs in the vicinity of the pet garden, LCSD would discuss with Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and refer the cases to AFCD for their respective follow-up; and

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(ii) concerning the horticultural maintenance of the planter under Wong Chuk Hang Road Flyover, LCSD would refer to the departments concerned after the meeting for working out short-term measures.

39. The Chairman invited representative of the HD to respond.

40. Mr Virgil HSU said that since installation of Fare Savers within the premises of the LINK or Housing Authority would involve works on power supply or building alteration, it was necessary to obtain approval of the plan from the HD’s Independent Checking Unit for the purpose of public safety.

41. The Chairman invited representatives of MTRC to respond again.

42. Mr Thomas LI gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) concerning the poor lighting at Wong Chuk Hang Station PTI, TD would follow it up after the meeting; (ii) regarding the greening works for the viaduct piers along a section of Heung Yip Path between MTR Wong Chuk Hang Station and Ocean Court, a site visit would be carried out after the meeting and the local Member concerned would be informed of the result in due course; and (iii) concerning item 4 of Reference Information - 2 “Enquiry on whether a tactile guide path is being omitted for provision of a section of walkway between Ocean Park Station and the minibus stand towards Stanley”, he reiterated that all the crossing facilities had been constructed in accordance with the requirements of TD. Anyway, MTRC would discuss and follow up with TD if further modification was required.

43. Mr Johnny CHAN added that to address the quality issue of the lighting at Wong Chuk Hang Station PTI, TD would inspect the existing lighting system in order to ascertain whether the quality complied with the relevant regulations.

44. Concerning the arrangement for attending SDC meetings in future, Ms Samantha SIU responded that since there were relatively less items needed to be followed up under SIL(E), MTRC would provide written replies for questions on individual matters and would attend the SDC meetings on a need basis.

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45. The Chairman said that as SDC meetings were held in odd-numbered months, he suggested that MTRC and the relevant government departments updated the Reference Information – 2 with progress in the middle of each even-numbered month. The Secretariat would email the paper to SDC Members for reference. Should Members have any queries on the progress, questions should be sent to the Secretariat 10 days before an SDC meeting and be followed up at the meeting accordingly.

46. Members raised no objection.

47. Mr Paul ZIMMERMAN raised the following comments and enquiries:

(i) as early as the site visit held six months ago, he already mentioned that most of the pedestrians would go to the buildings and MTR station in Wong Chuk Hang via Yip Fat Street. Yet, TD had closed the pedestrian crossing facility at the said passage. As such, he urged TD to arrange reprovisioning of the pedestrian crossing facility over there in order to facilitate pedestrians’ use and safeguard public safety; (ii) at present, a majority of the passengers leaving Ocean Park Station would walk across the road illegally for the bus stop heading to Stanley and Shouson Hill. He opined that MTRC should be held responsible for the problem; (iii) he was discontented with MTRC for not attending the coming two SDC meetings and requested the attendance of HyD and MTRC representatives at the coming two SDC meetings so as to follow up the related matters; and (iv) he enquired whether bicycle parking spaces had been provided at the MTR stations along the SIL(E) for passengers who cycled to the station for taking MTR and returned to get back the bicycle upon leaving the station. He asked MTRC to give an account of the bicycle parking spaces provided for each of the stations along the SIL(E) and the number of these parking spaces. MTRC was also requested to construct bicycle parking spaces at locations where shelters were available.

48. Ms LAM Yuk-chun, MH enquired whether the works for the removal of fire hydrant near Exit A of the South Horizons Station would be completed in the first quarter of this year.

49. Mr FUNG Se-goun raised the following comments and enquiries:

(i) regarding the insufficient crossing facilities on Wong Chuk Hang Road, he

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proposed that short-term measures should be put in place first so as to reduce the speed of vehicles passing by; in the long term, as there were many pedestrians crossing the road in that area, he requested that MTRC should consider construction of a footbridge connecting Wong Chuk Hang Road to the MTR stations. He also pointed out that residents of Shouson Hill, Stanley and Repulse Bay now crossed the road illegally for interchange with bus or minibus, rendering it extremely dangerous; and (ii) he suggested widening the bus stop near Ocean Park Station to provide passengers with a lay-by for their safe boarding and alighting at the station, or alternatively, if the vehicles entering the carpark with Octopus could leave the carpark within five minutes, MTRC could consider granting a fee waiver. If the latter suggestion was feasible, there was no need to widen the lay-by whereas safe boarding and alighting were allowed for the passengers.

50. Mr LAM Kai-fai, MH raised the following comments and enquiries:

(i) although the construction works of SIL(E) in South Horizons had completed and the train service had commenced, there were still more than 10 different places in South Horizons requiring rectification and improvement works. For instance, some floor tiles were damaged during the construction of SIL(E), repaving of the tiles would be required; and (ii) he requested that greening should be carried out for the three exits of South Horizons Station. South Horizons Management Office reflected that MTRC had neither followed up the matter proactively nor given any information on the expected completion date. He urged MTRC to provide the specific timetable before the Lunar New Year.

51. Mr TSUI Yuen-wa raised the following comments and enquiries:

(i) earlier on, MTRC had undertaken to conduct greening works for the abutments along Heung Yip Path lying between MTR Wong Chuk Hang Station and Ocean Court, instead of a visit as one of the MTRC representatives had just said; (ii) concerning the maintenance of the plants under Wong Chuk Hang Road Flyover, he requested that LCSD carry out the irrigation immediately. If the plants had withered, it would waste more public money and efforts; (iii) he pointed out that the disinfesting work for the pet garden near Heung Yip Path had not been effective and hoped that the department concerned could

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eradicate rodent infestation with a more effective way; (iv) MTRC had promised SDC that it would reserve space in Wong Chuk Hang Comprehensive Development Area for the construction of a footbridge linked to Shum Wan Road. But according to his information, the shopping mall might not be constructed at the opposite of Shum Wan Road and thus MTRC might not keep its promise. He mentioned in the earlier meetings that when the community hall next to the entrance of Shum Wan Road Bus Terminus was open, the pedestrian flow in the area would increase accordingly and a footbridge was necessary to connect with the community hall for the convenience of the public. Hence, MTRC was required to reserve space for the construction of a footbridge connecting the community hall; and (v) he thanked MTRC and the departments concerned for their contribution to the commissioning of SIL(E).

52. Mr CHAI Man-hon raised the following comments and enquiries:

(i) he pointed out that the lighting quality was poor outside Exit A2 of Wong Chuk Hang Station and most important of all, pedestrians had poor visibility of the road situation, especially the westbound vehicles. On the other hand, since vehicles were running on this section of road at a high speed, it would be very dangerous if a pedestrian suddenly walked across the road. Drivers might not be able to stop the car with a brake in time. He enquired about the possible improvement measures and hoped that the problem could be solved as soon as possible in order to protect pedestrian safety; (ii) from the distance between Aberdeen to Wong Chuk Hang Station, the hygienic condition was not satisfactory, in particular, the area near the temporary godown of FEHD. Large amounts of refuse and weeds were found. Some refuse containers were also placed outside the godown. He urged FEHD to improve the environment of the said walkway in order to attract more pedestrians to reach the MTR station via the walkway on foot; (iii) many different locations around Wong Chuk Hang Station could be used for publicity purpose in district or tourism promotion. For example, if the street pole and hoarding were used properly, it might achieve a better effect. He also suggested that cooperation between the Southern District Office (SDO) and SDC should be enhanced; and (iv) he thanked all relevant government departments, MTRC and SDC for their contribution to the commissioning of SIL(E).

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53. Mrs CHAN LEE Pui-ying raised the following comments and enquiries:

(i) she requested that a footbridge be constructed to link up Wong Chuk Hang Station with San Wai and the implementation of temporary measures should be stepped up to safeguard the pedestrian crossing; and (ii) she reiterated that her suggestion for MTRC to subsidise the travelling expenses incurred by Members during their visit to the SIL(E) stations in operation was meant to show MTRC’s respect for the Members.

54. Mr AU Nok-hin hoped that MTRC and the LINK could have a good mutual communication and make application to HD for the installation of Fare Saver at Yue On Court.

55. The Chairman invited the MTRC representatives to respond.

56. Ms Samantha SIU gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) concerning the suggestion of reserving space in Wong Chuk Hang Comprehensive Development Area for the construction of a footbridge linked to Shum Wan Road, discussion needs to be made with the property department and a reply would be given to the local Member concerned afterwards; and (ii) MTRC would continue to identify suitable locations for installation of Fare Savers.

57. Mr Thomas LI gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) MTRC had targeted the road reprovisioning and improvement works within South Horizons for completion by the first quarter of this year. The handover arrangement was being discussed with the relevant department / organisations; (ii) he would liaise with South Horizons Management Office for mending the broken floor tiles and carrying out greening works, and would fulfill the request of South Horizons Management Office as far as possible; (iii) he had discussed with the relevant departments for the removal of the fire hydrant outside South Horizons Station. Water Supplies Department (WSD) had undertaken to remove the fire hydrant soon. It was expected that the works could be completed shortly; and (iv) the early design of MTR stations did not take into account the provision of

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bicycle parking spaces. Since the stations had limited area, if there was a need to provide bicycle parking spaces in the station, MTRC would discuss with the departments concerned.

58. Mr Edmund WONG responded that there was a small section of footpath at the side of Ocean Park Station Car Park to facilitate boarding and alighting of private cars’ passengers. Drivers needed not to use Octopus to gain access to the Ocean Park Station Car Park. He would consider strengthening the publicity of this message and follow up with the Member concerned after the meeting.

59. The Chairman invited representatives of TD to respond.

60. Mr Johnny CHAN gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) he would refer the proposal of widening the bus stop at Wong Chuk Hang Road to the responsible division in TD for consideration. He also said that the venue was not suitable for adding traffic lights; and (ii) TD had conducted a survey outside Exit A2 of the Wong Chuk Hang Station on the number of vehicles passing by. It was considered not suitable to add traffic lights in that area. TD would find out other feasible options as soon as possible in the hope of slowing down the vehicles passing by so as to safeguard the pedestrian safety.

61. The Chairman asked the representative of HyD if he had anything to add.

62. Mr Anka LEUNG said that he had nothing to add.

63. The Chairman invited representatives of LCSD to respond.

64. Mr Wicky CHEUNG gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) LCSD was not yet responsible for the maintenance of plants under Wong Chuk Hang Road Flyover. LCSD was now discussing the management and plant maintenance arrangement with the HyD and MTRC, and would further study the short-term remedial measures with them; and (ii) LCSD would discuss with FEHD for a solution to the rodent infestation in the vicinity of the pet garden.

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65. The Chairman concluded that for the purpose of following up SIL(E), SDC set up a Focus Group on MTR South Island Line Scheme in 2008 until the next term of SDC commenced. On commencement of the new term, SDC decided to follow up the works progress of SIL(E) in the SDC meetings, whereas the transport matters and other detailed items were followed up by the Traffic and Transport Committee (T&TC) and the Community Liaison Group. Afterwards, however, it ended up that all the SIL(E) issues were followed up by the full Council, which was not considered appropriate. In the long term, as it had been mentioned before, MTRC and the relevant government departments would update the Reference Information – 2 with progress in even-numbered months. The Secretariat would email the paper to SDC Members for reference. Should Members have any queries on the progress, questions should be sent to the Secretariat 10 days before an SDC meeting; if a matter of concern had not been included in the Reference Information – 2, Members could submit an agenda item which might be followed up by SDC or the relevant Committee. In addition, he hoped that the departments concerned and MTRC could note the comments made by Members at today’s meeting, particularly, MTRC was requested to give an early reply to SDC on the location and arrangement of its Fare Savers. He regretted that MTRC had not yet provided a timetable for the time being. As regards some of the Members’ opinions on the pedestrian crossing facilities near the Ocean Park, he urged for an immediate action, including short-term measures, to safeguard pedestrian safety and prevent any accidents. Last but not least, the Chairman would like to express his gratitude to MTRC and all departments concerned on behalf of SDC for their contribution and look forward to working closely again in future. He hoped that the South Island Line could provide the public with a perfect railway service and become the best railway line in the territory.

(Mr Anka LEUNG, Mr Johnny CHAN, Mr Edmund WONG, Mr Thomas LI and Ms Samantha SIU left the meeting at 3:57 p.m.)

Agenda Item 4: Application for SDC Fund: 2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival and Other Matters related to the Activities (SDC Paper No. 10/2017) [3:57 p.m. - 4:06 p.m.]

66. The Chairman asked Members whether there was a need to declare their interests in this project; if so, they should raise their hands and complete the “Declaration of Interests for Project Financed by Southern District Council Funds”.

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67. The Chairman declared that he was the Honorary President of the 2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival Organising Committee (the OC).

68. Mr CHAN Fu-ming, MH declared that he was Honorary Vice-President of the OC.

69. Ms CHEUNG Sik-yung, MH declared that she was Advisor to the OC.

70. Ms LAM Yuk-chun, MH declared that she was Chairlady of the Working Group on Opening Ceremony and Cultural/Arts Activities under the OC.

71. Mrs CHAN LEE Pui-ying declared that she was Advisor to the OC.

72. Dr MAK TSE How-ling, MH declared that she was Advisor to the OC.

73. Mr CHU Lap-wai declared that he was Chairman of the Working Group on Closing Ceremony and Tourism Activities under the OC.

74. Mr AU Lap-sing, MH declared that he was Advisor to the OC.

75. Mr TSUI Yuen-wa declared that he was Advisor to the OC.

76. Mr CHAI Man-hon declared that he was Secretary of the OC.

77. Mr LAM Kai-fai, MH declared that he was Chairman of the Working Group on Overall Publicity, Sponsorship and Administration under the OC.

(Details of the declarations of interests are given at Annex.)

78. The Chairman asked Mr LAM Kai-fai, MH to brief Members on the contents of the paper.

79. Mr LAM Kai-fai, MH briefed Members on the contents of the paper as follows:

(i) the OC agreed that the unveiling ceremony of the Southern District Literary Trail landmark “Stray Birds 31” established by SDC in memory of the famous

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literati XIAO Hong would be incorporated in the programme line-up of the 2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival. To achieve synergy in publicity, this event would be held in parallel with the Opening Ceremony of the 2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival which was sponsored by The Pulse, at the Repulse Bay Beach on 25 February 2017 (Saturday); (ii) the OC had already engaged a public relations (PR) agency to provide overall PR and marketing services as well as undertaking design and production of overall publicity materials and souvenirs. In the light of the latest programme arrangement and the outcome of the tendering exercise, consequential amendments to the related items and budget were required, with details given at Annex 1 to SDC Paper No. 10/2017; (iii) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the SDO had obtained additional funding for organising projects in 2016-17. To step up publicity efforts to promote the programmes under the 2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival as well as special features of the Southern District, part of the funding would be used to buy air time from the Television Broadcasts Limited for broadcasting several promotional clips on the 2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival, which were funded and produced by the OC, between late February and mid-March 2017; and (iv) different activities would be staged by the OC between February and October 2017 successively. Apart from the SDC funded projects stated in paragraph 2 of SDC Paper No. 10/2017 and some self-funding projects by hosting organisations, the OC was required to seek sponsorship for funding the remaining projects. In view of this, the OC had proceeded with the procurement of sponsorships since late 2016, and received positive feedback from individuals and corporations. To date, the OC had received committed sponsorship (including both cash and in-kind contributions) representing aggregate value over $3 million. Details were given at Annex 3 to SDC Paper No. 10/2017.

80. The Chairman asked Mr CHAN Fu-ming, MH, representative from Bauhinia Academy of Arts, to brief Members on the funding application with respect to “Southern District Bamboo-Theatre Cantonese Opera Parade”.

81. Mr CHAN Fu-ming, MH briefed Members on the funding application with respect to “Southern District Bamboo-Theatre Cantonese Opera Parade”. Details were summarised as follows:

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(i) hosted by the Bauhinia Academy of Arts and co-organised by the OC, “Southern District Bamboo-Theatre Cantonese Opera Parade” had already been incorporated in the programme line-up of the 2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival; (ii) “Southern District Bamboo-Theatre Cantonese Opera Parade” was proposed to be held between 17 and 19 March 2017 at Ap Lei Chau, during which three sessions of Cantonese opera excerpts and one session of Cantonese opera and arts performance would be featured in a bamboo-theatre setting. It aimed to promote the Chinese Xiqu culture and preserve the cultural heritage of Cantonese opera through traditional Xiqu and Cantonese opera performances, with a view to raising the profile of the Southern District among Mainland and overseas visitors as well as promoting its economic and tourism development; (iii) regarding the sponsorship commitment of Sunlink Holdings (H.K.) Limited on an advertising site in Tin Wan Shopping Centre for promoting the 2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival, at its 3rd meeting on 16 January 2017, the Working Group on Overall Publicity, Sponsorship and Administration under the OC had approved the acceptance of this sponsorship, and that the advertising site concerned would be allocated to promote “Southern District Bamboo-Theatre Cantonese Opera Parade” and “Aberdeen Dragon Boat Races” which had already been incorporated in the programme line-up of the Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival. The two event organisers would be responsible for meeting the expenses incurred thereby respectively, e.g. design and production of advertisements; and (iv) Sunlink Holdings (H.K.) Limited had already committed to sponsor $60,000 for organising “Southern District Bamboo-Theatre Cantonese Opera Parade” with an estimated expenditure of about $390,000. In this connection, Bauhinia Academy of Arts now wished to seek a grant of $300,000 from SDC for organising this project with an advance payment of $150,000 from the SDC allocation for 2016-17 to meet its initial expenses. Details were given at Annex 2 to SDC Paper No. 10/2017. The remaining expenses would be funded by other income.

82. The Chairman asked Members to raise their comments or enquiries on the subject.

83. Members had not raised any comment or enquiry.

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(Mr CHAI Man-hon, Mr CHAN Fu-ming, MH, Mr CHU Lap-wai, Mr LAM Kai-fai, MH and Ms LAM Yuk-chun, MH withdrew from the meeting at 4:04 p.m.)

84. The Chairman invited Members to note the details and arrangements as stated in paragraphs 3 to 8 in SDC Paper No. 10/2017, and asked whether they would endorse the revised budget of the “2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival – Overall Public Relations/Publicity and Production of Publicity Materials” as set out in Annex 1 as well as the provision of $300,000 to Bauhinia Academy of Arts for organising “Southern District Bamboo-Theatre Cantonese Opera Parade” with an advance payment of half of the allocation to meet its initial expenses as set out in Annex 2 to SDC Paper No.10/2017 respectively.

85. Members did not raise any objection.

86. In closing, the Chairman concluded that SDC endorsed the revised budget of the “2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival – Overall Public Relations/Publicity and Production of Publicity Materials” as set out in Annex 1 and the provision of $300,000 to Bauhinia Academy of Arts for organising “Southern District Bamboo-Theatre Cantonese Opera Parade” with an advance payment of half of the allocation to meet its initial expenses as set out in Annex 2 to SDC Paper No.10/2017 respectively.

(Mr CHAI Man-hon, Mr CHAN Fu-ming, MH, Mr LAM Kai-fai, MH and Ms LAM Yuk-chun, MH returned to the meeting at 4:04 p.m.)

(Ms Shirley CHOI, Ms Olivia LAI, Miss Irene LAU, Ms Catalina CHAN and Ms Joanne HA joined the meeting at 4:06 p.m.)

Agenda Item 5: Application for SDC Funds: 2017-18 Programme Plans of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (SDC Paper No. 11/2017) [4:06 p.m. - 4:43 p.m.]

87. The Chairman said that this agenda item was raised by the LCSD and welcomed the following representatives of LCSD to the meeting:

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(i) Ms Shirley CHOI, Senior Manager (Cultural Services) Hong Kong West; (ii) Ms Olivia LAI, Senior Librarian (Southern); (iii) Miss Irene LAU, Assistant Manager (Hong Kong West) Marketing, Programme and District Activities; (iv) Ms Catalina CHAN, Librarian, Aberdeen Public Library; and (v) Ms Joanne HA, Deputy District Leisure Manager (District Support) Southern

88. The Chairman invited Ms Shirley CHOI to introduce the proposed annual plan on district free entertainment programmes in 2017-18.

89. Ms Shirley CHOI introduced the content of Annex I to SDC Paper No. 11/2017.

90. The Chairman invited Members to raise comments or enquiries.

91. Mr LAM Kai-fai, MH raised the following comments and enquiries:

(i) He supported the proposed annual plan on district free entertainment programmes in 2017-18; and (ii) There was still ample room for increasing the attendance of the entertainment programme held at the Amphitheatre, Phase III, South Horizons on 2 April and 27 August 2016owing to limited resource of LCSD to organise the programme in the evening as well as insufficient publicity. According to the past experience of organising activities at that venue, activities with sufficient publicity and being held at appropriate time such as in the evening could attract more than a thousand participants. He suggested LCSD to consider organising the programme in the evening and discuss with the South Horizons Management Ltd. for enhancing publicity to attract more participants.

92. Mr TSUI Yuen-wa said that there was no appropriate venue for entertainment programmes in Wong Chuk Hang. Years ago he had suggested that LCSD could explore with the responsible persons of schools or Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) Jockey Club Rehabilitation Complex in Wong Chuk Hang on using their venues for staging entertainment programmes. He enquired whether LCSD encountered any difficulties or had any other consideration that prevented them from making such arrangements.

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93. The Chairman said that not all free entertainment programmes organised by LCSD were staged in halls. He suggested Mr TSUI Yuen-wa proposing some suitable performance venues for LCSD’s consideration. The Chairman invited the LCSD representative to respond.

94. Ms Shirley CHOI gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) She agreed that the programmes staged at the Amphitheatre, Phase III, South Horizons in the evening could have attracted more participants. However, it was more appropriate to stage the programmes in the afternoon in view that they were children programmes and one was held in summer holiday. LCSD would pay more attention to the performance time and publicity arrangement when organising similar activities in future with a view to attracting more participants; and (ii) The schools and TWGHs Jockey Club Rehabilitation Complex in Wong Chuk Hang were not under the purview of LCSD. LCSD welcomed Members’ suggestion on the performance venues for consideration.

95. The Chairman said that SDC had endorsed the allocation of $427,000 to be earmarked for district free entertainment programmes in 2017-18 at its meeting on 22 September 2016. The Chairman asked whether Members agreed to earmark $430,000, i.e. with an addition of $3,000, for district free entertainment programmes after LCSD’s briefing.

96. Members had no objection.

97. SDC endorsed LCSD’s annual plan and budget for district free entertainment programmes in 2017-18 and the allocation of $430,000 for organising the programmes held between March 2017 and February 2018 as well as $32,000 for programmes held in March 2018 and settled in the 2018-19 financial year.

98. The Chairman invited Ms Olivia LAI to introduce the extension activities of public libraries in 2017-18.

99. Ms Olivia LAI introduced the content of Annex II to SDC Paper No. 11/2017.

100. The Chairman invited Members to raise comments or enquiries.

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101. Ms CHEUNG Sik-yung, MH raised the following comments and enquiries:

(i) She pointed out that some members of the public had recently written to LCSD to commend the activities and subject talks held at and services provided by public libraries in the Southern District; and (ii) She enquired whether LCSD only organised district based subject talks for the elderly at Aberdeen Public Library because that library had a larger area. She suggested that LCSD consider organising district based subject talks for the elderly at different libraries even though other libraries in the Southern District had limited areas.

102. Mr CHOW Chor-tim, JP said that according to the information available, LCSD was going to organise district based cultural programme which included guided tours. But the OC would also organise guided tours on cultural heritage and the Southern District Literary Trail during the 2017 Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival. It is proposed that LCSD to liaise with the SDO after the meeting in a bid to enhance the synergistic effect.

103. The Chairman invited the LCSD representative to respond.

104. Ms Olivia LAI gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) The district based programmes for the elderly was only held at Aberdeen Public Library because among the four libraries in the Southern District, only this library had an Extension Activities Room for holding talks with 40 participants while there was no fixed Extension Activities Room or suitable venue for holding talks in the other libraries. Nevertheless, LCSD would, after seeking the speakers’ consent, take audio records of the talks which would then be stored in the multimedia databases of the libraries for readers to access and listen online; and (ii) LCSD was preparing the district based cultural programme which was tentatively scheduled for June or July 2017. LCSD would liaise with SDO after the meeting to ensure that the two activities would not be held at the same time.

105. The Chairman said that SDC had endorsed the allocation of $69,945 to be earmarked for extension activities of public libraries in 2017-18 at its meeting on 22 September 2016. The Chairman asked whether Members agreed to earmark $79,020,

29 i.e. with an addition of $9,075 or a 12.97% increase, for extension activities of public libraries after listening to LCSD’s briefing.

106. Members had no objection.

107. SDC endorsed LCSD’s extension activities of public libraries and budget in 2017-18 and the allocation of $79,020 to sponsor LCSD’s activities to be held between March 2017 and February 2018 as well as $4,560 for activities to be held in March 2018 and settled in the 2018-19 financial year.

(Mr CHU Lap-wai returned to the meeting at 4:30 p.m.)

108. The Chairman invited Ms Joanne HA to introduce the recreation and sports programme plan for 2017-18.

109. Ms Joanne HA introduced the content of Annex III to SDC Paper No. 11/2017.

110. The Chairman invited Members to raise comments or enquiries.

111. Mr TSUI Yuen-wa said that he had earlier on reported the difference in participant numbers of different activity types and enquired about the details of any adjustments made to the activity types in light of the difference in participant numbers.

112. Ms CHEUNG Sik-yung, MH said that she had earlier on reflected the popularity of evening Tai Chi classes to LCSD. But owing to the limited resources, the number of such classes could not be increased. Now that the amount of funds applied by LCSD for 2017-18 was the same as that applied for 2016-17, she suggested that LCSD consider cutting classes with small number of participants so as to deploy more resources for organising more evening Tai Chi classes.

113. The Chairman said that owing to the limited resources, the number of classes of many popular recreational and sports activities could not be increased. The Chairman continued that the Government had mentioned in the 2017 Policy Address that from the next financial year, it would provide an additional $100 million to the Community Involvement Programme so as to enable the 18 District Councils to further enhance the implementation or sponsorship of community involvement projects. The Chairman enquired whether LCSD would increase the number of classes of popular

30 recreational and sports activities after the details of the additional funds were confirmed.

114. The Chairman invited the LCSD representative to respond.

115. Mr Wicky CHEUNG gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) The proposed recreation and sports programme plan for 2017-18 was drawn up according to the provisional allocation of programme funds endorsed at the SDC meeting on 22 September 2016; and (ii) It was mentioned in the 2017 Policy Address that from the next financial year, the Government would provide an additional $100 million to the Community Involvement Programme so as to enhance the implementation or sponsorship of community involvement projects. LCSD noted the comments of SDC members. After confirming the amount of additional funds allocated, LCSD would review the types and numbers of the recreation and sports programmes, make necessary changes to the recreation and sports programme plan for 2017-18 and report the adjustment to the relevant committee.

116. Mr AU Lap-sing, MH pointed out that parent-child social dance only had 12 participants and enquired whether this situation was due to the limited area of the venue or unpopularity of the activity. According to his information, small kids were quite keen on social dance. If it was due to the parent-child activity mode that only 12 participants were allowed, he suggested replacing it by children social dance.

117. The Chairman invited the LCSD representative to respond.

118. Ms Joanne HA gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) The purpose of parent-child social dance was to provide an activity for parents and their children to participate together so as to build up a closer parent-child relation and cooperation. But owing to the constraints of the venue and existing allocation of resources, there was limition to the quota for each activity and number of programmes; (ii) Given the provisional allocation of programme funds earlier on, LCSD had to take into consideration various factors, including allocation of resources, popularity of programmes, price changes, pay adjustment of part-time staff, when drawing up the recreation and sports programme plan. As there is nil

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increase in the allocation of fund, some of the programme types and numbers were inevitably deleted; (iii) In the recreation and sports programme plan for 2017-18, LCSD had increased some low cost programmes for the elderly; and (iv) Since an evening Tai Chi class had 48 sessions and the programme cost was quite high, LCSD noted the suggestion from Members and would study the feasibility of increasing the number of evening Tai Chi classes when additional funds was available.

119. The Chairman said that SDC had endorsed at its meeting on 22 September 2016 the allocation of $5,373,688 to be earmarked for organising recreation and sports programmes in the following periods:

(i) March - June 2017: $2,029,865; (ii) July - November 2017: $2,218,845; and (iii) December 2017 - February 2018: $1,124,978.

120. The Chairman asked whether Members agreed to earmark the above amount of funds for recreation and sports programmes after listening to LCSD’s briefing.

121. Members had no objection.

122. SDC endorsed LCSD’s recreation and sports programmes and budget in 2017-18 and the allocation of $5,373,688 to sponsor LCSD’s programmes to be held between March 2017 and February 2018 as well as $400,000 for programmes to be held in March 2018 and settled in the 2018-19 financial year.

123. The Chairman thanked the LCSD representatives for attending the meeting.

(Ms Shirley CHOI, Ms Olivia LAI, Miss Irene LAU, Ms Catalina CHAN and Ms Joanne HA left the meeting at 4:43 p.m.)

(Ms Winnie YIP, Ms Pinky MAK, Mr Jimmy WONG and Ms Julia CHIU joined the meeting at 4:43 p.m.)

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Agenda Item 6: Request for promoting the development of water-borne transport in the Southern District and the building of berthing facilities (SDC Paper No. 98/2016) [5:25 p.m. - 6:27 p.m.]

124. The Chairman welcomed the following representatives of the Hospital Authority (HA) to the meeting:

(i) Ms Winnie YIP, Cluster General Manager (Administrative Services), Hong Kong West Cluster; (ii) Ms Pinky MAK, Senior Hospital Manager (Planning and Commissioning), Queen Mary Hospital (QMH); (iii) Mr Jimmy WONG, Public and Community Relations Officer, QMH; and (iv) Ms Julia CHIU, Hospital Administrator II (Public and Media Relations), QMH.

125. The Chairman invited the representatives of the Hospital Authority (HA) to report on the latest progress of the QMH Redevelopment Project.

126. Ms Winnie YIP, with the aid of PowerPoint presentation (PowerPoint 2), briefed Members on the “Stage 1 - Senior Staff Quarters Conversion Works Update”, “Stage 2 - Preparatory Works for Construction of New Block Update” and “Internet Website for QMH Redevelopment Project”. In addition, she gave an account of the traffic problems currently faced by QMH, including the problems of traffic congestion and illegal parking of vehicles in the vicinity, the overcrowded public transport terminal, insufficient provision of barrier-free facilities in its vicinity, etc.

127. The Chairman asked Members to raise comments or enquiries on the subject.

128. Mr Paul ZIMMERMAN raised comments and enquiries as follows:

(i) he called on SDC to support the addition of lifts and escalator near the hospital just proposed by QMH, in a bid to urge HyD to take follow-up action and seek funding approval as soon as practicable. He requested HyD to explore the feasibility of widening the footpath leading to QMH, and suggested that the above two matters should be referred to T&TC for following up accordingly;

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(ii) he asked QMH whether there was discussion with HyD and TD on the introduction of measures to reduce the number of vehicles entering into the hospital premises, e.g. converting the adjacent carriageway leading to QMH into a one-way traffic lane dedicated to outgoing traffic and relocating the boom gate; and (iii) knowing that QMH had already engaged a consultant to conduct study on the circulation of people and vehicles within the hospital premises and in its periphery as well as the illegal parking condition therein, he requested the consultant to conduct extensive consultation during the study, including collecting views from Members. He commented that the residents in his own constituency had expressed grave concern over this matter.

129. Dr MAK TSE How-ling, MH criticised that HyD had taken too long in their repair works for the lift leading to QMH, causing a great deal of inconvenience to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the elderly travelling in and out of QMH. It was suggested that the District Minor Works funding should be utilised to implement improvement works for barrier-free facilities leading to QMH, in order to facilitate the access of PWDs and the elderly.

130. Mr LAM Kai-fai, MH raised comments and enquiries as follows:

(i) he pledged support to the addition of lifts and escalator near the hospital just proposed by QMH, in order to bring convenience to its commuters and visitors; (ii) he pointed out that the acute shortage of visitor’s parking spaces inside QMH had caused inconvenience to motorists and given rise to the problem of illegal parking of vehicles; and (iii) he appealed for full support from SDC to the South Island Line (West) project, and considered that the future provision of an MTR station at QMH could effectively solve the problem of traffic congestion at the location concerned.

131. The Chairman invited the HA representatives to respond.

132. Ms Winnie YIP gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) she thanked Members for their support for the QMH Redevelopment Project and the measures against various traffic problems just proposed by QMH. QMH had already engaged a consultant to conduct study on vehicular

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circulation within the hospital premises and its periphery as well as the parking condition therein. Members’ advice on the subject were welcome; (ii) regarding the acute shortage of visitor’s parking spaces in QMH, she responded that QMH was required to adhere to Government’s prescribed standards in respect of the quantities of staff and visitor’s parking spaces; (iii) QMH was aware of the fact that the geographical location of QMH had necessitated many of its visitors to get there either via the footbridge after using public transport or by car. During the study, the consultant would liaise with relevant government departments to address the existing problems; and (iv) QMH would continue to consider feasible measures (such as increasing the number of lifts leading to QMH) in a proactive manner, in order to cope with the growth in people flow to and from the hospital upon completion of the QMH Redevelopment Project.

133. The Chairman invited the representative of the Hong Kong Police Force to respond.

134. Mr SIN Chi-sing gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) the Police had been closely monitoring the situation of illegal parking inside QMH, the parking of vehicles at relatively narrow accesses in particular. In the future, the Police will pay closer attention to the situation and step up law enforcement action accordingly; and (ii) it was suggested that TD could erect railings at the locations of illegal parking and designate parking areas as restricted zones against pick-up/drop-off and loading/unloading activities. Accordingly, the Police would follow up on the matter after the meeting.

135. The Chairman invited the TD representative to respond.

136. Mr Albert HO gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) TD would consider the above proposal put forward by the Police after the meeting, and would render full support to the Police and assist them in improving the situation of illegal parking inside QMH; and (ii) regarding a reduction in width of the footpath leading to the neighbourhood of the hospital to 600 mm as a result of obstruction to pathway just mentioned by

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QMH, according to his information, the pole concerned had already been removed. Also, he suggested that in the future, QMH could immediately notify TD of the recurrence of similar incidents, if any, for their following up.

137. Mr SIN Chi-sing supplemented that there would be active liaison and discussion with QMH after the meeting, with a view to assisting it in improving the situation of illegal parking of vehicles in QMH.

138. The Chairman asked QMH about details of the proposed addition of escalator leading to the hospital.

139. Ms Winnie YIP responded that currently, QMH was actively exploring the feasibility of retrofitting escalator and lifts leading to the hospital, including the installation of a lift at the location as shown in the picture on the bottom left of slide no. 13 of PowerPoint 2, which would, however, entail land rights issues as it was located near a bus stop and public toilet that were outside the purview of QMH; and the addition of escalator and lifts at the location as shown in the leftmost picture of slide no. 13 of PowerPoint 2 to make it convenient for visitors to go to the first floor of Block S direct. QMH would conduct feasibility study on this proposal within this year. Should positive findings be revealed, this proposal would be implemented as soon as practicable.

140. The Chairman suggested that matters relating to the barrier-free facilities as shown in slide no. 12 of PowerPoint 2 should be referred to T&TC for following up.

141. Members did not raise any objection.

142. Mr Paul ZIMMERMAN raised comments and enquiries as follows:

(i) he was delighted to know that TD had already removed the pole that obstructed the footpath leading to the neighbourhood of QMH. However, it was suggested that TD should conduct site inspection to actively look into various occurrences that might lead to similar incidents, instead of awaiting for the QMH’s notifications; (ii) he asked QMH to discuss with TD and request the consultant to actively consider the proposals on the conversion of the adjacent carriageway leading to QMH into a one-way traffic lane and the relocation of the boom gate; (iii) currently, the provision of visitor’s parking spaces inside QMH was posted on

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the QMH website only, without specifying “subject to the availability of quota”. He considered that such a practice was tantamount to encouraging visitors to drive to QMH. He suggested that the website should either provide the number of visitor’s parking spaces made available on a real-time basis or advise members of the public to travel to QMH by other public transport means after parking their vehicles in nearby car parks; and (iv) currently, there were many vehicles parking at the future works site of the new Main Block. Upon commencement of works, these vehicles had to search for temporary parking spaces elsewhere. In this regard, he urged QMH to formulate practicable and feasible measures as soon as possible, in a bid to address the above problem. The consultant would also be required to conduct detailed study on the parking condition inside QMH, with a view to solving its parking problem at root.

143. Mr CHAI Man-hon said that regarding the installation of a lift adjacent to the bus stop and public toilet just proposed by QMH, as this involved the public toilet under the management of the FEHD, it was suggested that FEHD should first furnish relevant details such as usage of the toilet concerned or other land use restrictions for following up and conducting initial study on feasible options (such as the reprovisioning of the toilet concerned) before referring this matter to T&TC for following up.

144. The Chairman invited the TD representative to respond.

145. Mr Albert HO gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) TD had already conducted site inspection to scrutinise whether there was obstruction to the footpath leading to the neighbourhood of QMH. He also reiterated that in the future, QMH could immediately notify TD of the recurrence of similar incidents, if any, for their following up; and (ii) TD would liaise and follow up with the consultant engaged by QMH on other proposals put forward by Members.

146. The Chairman invited the FEHD representative to respond.

147. Mr LEE Kan-fat responded that the public toilet near the bus stop and QMH had a high usage rate, especially when visiting hours were about to begin. Besides, according to the current design standard, the area of the toilet is not large and there

37 were not many water closet cubicles in the toilet concerned. He considered that it would cause inconvenience to members of the public if there was a need to further reduce the number of water closet cubicles of the toilet concerned.

148. The Chairman invited the HA representative to respond.

149. Ms Winnie YIP gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) she thanked the Member concerned for his comments on the parking information posted on the QMH website, and would scrutinise the contents therein accordingly, in order to avoid any misunderstanding; (ii) currently, after the QMH car park was full, slips would be distributed to motorists indicating the respective locations of nearby car parks. QMH was aware of the fact that it would cause substantial inconvenience to motorists who had to travel to car parks elsewhere after entering into the hospital premises. Therefore, QMH would scrutinise the contents of the parking information posted on the QMH website; and (iii) the location of the temporary car park for use during construction of the new Main Block would be revealed at the meetings of SDC or its Committees.

150. Mr CHAI Man-hon urged FEHD to give prudent and careful consideration to the reprovisioning of the public toilet concerned and other details (such as the layout of water closet cubicles, the availability of a suitable site for the reprovisioning of the toilet). He hoped that this matter would be followed up at the meetings of SDC or its Committees.

151. The Chairman invited the FEHD representative to respond.

152. Mr LEE Kan-fat responded that there was no suitable site in the vicinity of the public toilet concerned for its reprovisioning. Moreover, other FEHD’s toilets in its vicinity were relatively far away. Therefore, the reprovisioning of the public toilet concerned would cause inconvenience to people going to QMH. However, FEHD would be willing to hear the Members’ comments and the public’s preference.

153. In closing, the Chairman concluded that SDC supported the QMH’s proposed addition of barrier-free facilities and lifts. Regarding the issue of installation of a lift involving a public toilet under the jurisdiction of FEHD, it was suggested that SDC should follow up with FEHD and TD after the meeting, in order to obtain further

38 details for making a clear decision. The Chairman thanked the HA representatives for joining the meeting.

(Ms Winnie YIP, Ms Pinky MAK, Mr Jimmy WONG and Ms Julia CHIU left the meeting at 5:19 p.m.)

Agenda Item 7: Any Other Business [5:19 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.]

The 6th Hong Kong Games “The Jockey Club Vitality Run”

154. The Chairman advised the meeting that “The Jockey Club Vitality Run”, the first public participation activity for all under the 6th Hong Kong Games in 2017, had already been successfully concluded on 8 January 2017 (Sunday). A team of eight members, namely Mr PUK Kwan-kin, Mr WONG Sai-hung, Mr CHAN Pui-kit, Mr LAM Chi-hung, Mr WONG Siu-wai, Ms CHAN Yuk-chun, Ms WONG Mi-yee and Ms CHENG So-hing, had been designated to participate in the 3 km Run and compete for “Overall Best Team Costume Prize” on behalf of the Southern District. All of them had received certificates and souvenir medals from the organiser after finishing the run within the prescribed time limit. At the same time, the Southern District team had also been named the first runner-up of “Overall Best Team Costume Prize”.

155. As the Chairlady of the 6th Hong Kong Games Organising Working Group, Ms CHEUNG Sik-yung, MH thanked the above representatives for bringing honour to the Southern District and achieving remarkable recognition in the kick-off of the 6th Hong Kong Games. Also, the Chairman thanked Ms CHEUNG Sik-yung, MH for assisting in the mobilisation of the community’s participation in the competition.

Arrangement for discussion at SDC meetings

156. The Chairman asked Members whether there were any other matters to be raised for discussion.

157. Mr Paul ZIMMERMAN commented that the SDC meetings often ran over time. As far as this meeting was concerned, it could be finished as scheduled only because some Members had to attend other activities afterwards. It was hoped that the time allotments for each agenda item could be properly managed in the future,

39 enabling the adjournment of meeting as scheduled.

158. The Chairman responded that matters relating to the SIL(E) Scheme had been designated as a regular agenda item for discussion at previous SDC meetings, which had taken up quite a lot of time having regard to a substantial number of items involved in deliberations. Thus, the previous meetings had run over time inevitably. At this meeting, as relatively little time had been spent on the discussion on matters relating to the SIL(E) Scheme, and Members had not raised other matters for discussion, this meeting could be adjourned as scheduled. The Chairman continued that as the SIL(E) Scheme would no longer be a regular item for discussion at future SDC meetings, supposedly, the meeting could exercise better control over its proceedings thereafter.

159. Mr AU Nok-hin suggested adopting the discussion format of “each question presented to be succeeded by oral answer” for giving spontaneous response, with a view to facilitating a more in-depth discussion and avoiding the situation of the same question being presented by different Members.

160. The Chairman responded that the discussion format of “each question presented to be succeeded by oral answer” for giving spontaneous response might be able to facilitate effective discussion at meetings. However, subject to adoption of this practice, the discussion format should be fully implemented across SDC and its Committees. Hence, there was a need to discuss with the Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of the Committees and explore its feasibility after the meeting.

161. Mr CHAI Man-hon said that the adoption of the discussion format of “each question presented to be succeeded by oral answer” for giving spontaneous response could avoid the situation of the same question being presented by different Members, whilst representatives from government departments or organisations could also respond simultaneously, which was conductive to effective use of time allotments in meetings. He suggested that this discussion format could first be adopted for conducting SDC meetings on a trial basis. Subject to assessment of its better effectiveness in due course, this discussion format could be applied to meetings of the Committees.

162. The Chairman responded that the information revealed that the discussion format of “each question presented to be succeeded by oral answer” for giving spontaneous response was not adopted by other District Councils in conducting their

40 meetings. He would explore its feasibility with the Secretariat after the meeting.

Part II – Items for Information

163. The Chairman invited Members to note the following documents:

(i) Report from the Area Committees (SDC Paper No. 1/2017); (ii) Report of the 6th Meeting of the District Facilities Management Committee (SDC Paper No. 2/2017); (iii) Report of the 6th Meeting of the Community Affairs and Tourism Development Committee (SDC Paper No. 3/2017); (iv) Report of the 6th Meeting of the District Development and Housing Committee (SDC Paper No. 4/2017); (v) Report of the 6th Meeting of the Traffic and Transport Committee (SDC Paper No. 5/2017); (vi) Report of the 193rd Meeting of the Southern District Management Committee (SDC Paper No. 6/2017); and (vii) Financial Statement in respect of SDC Funds (as at 9.1.2017) (SDC Paper No. 7/2017).

Date of Next Meeting

164. The Chairman informed the meeting that the 9th SDC meeting would be held on 16 March 2017 (Thursday) at 2:30 p.m.

165. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

Secretariat, Southern District Council March 2017

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Annex

8th Meeting of Southern District Council (2016-2019) Declaration of Interest

Capacity in the Applicant Being an executor Agenda Project Title Organiser/ Co-organiser(s) Member Organisation as of the project Mr CHU Ching-hong, JP Honarable President - Mr CHAN Fu-ming, MH Honarable Vice-president - Mr AU Lap-sing, MH Consultant - Mr CHAI Man-hon Secreatary Yes Mrs CHAN LEE Pui-ying Consultant - 2017 Southern District Ms CHEUNG Sik-yung, MH Consultant - Tourism and Culture Chairman of the Working Group Festival- Mr CHU Lap-wai on Closing Ceremony & Yes Revised budget on Organiser: 2017 Southern District Tourism Activities 4 overall public relations Tourism and Culture Festival Chairman of the Working Group and marketing services Organising Committee Mr LAM Kai-fai, MH on Overall Promotion, Yes as well as design and Sponsorship and Administration production of publicity Chairman of the Working Group materials Ms LAM Yuk-chun, MH on Opening Ceremony, Cultural - & Arts Activities Dr MAK TSE How-ling, Consultant - Ada, MH Mr TSUI Yuen-wa Consultant -

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Capacity in the Applicant Being an executor Agenda Project Title Organiser/ Co-organiser(s) Member Organisation as of the project Organiser: Bauhinia Academy Mr CHAN Fu-ming, MH Vice-president Yes of Arts Mr CHU Ching-hong, JP Honarable President - Mr CHAN Fu-ming, MH Honarable Vice-president - Mr AU Lap-sing, MH Consultant - Mr CHAI Man-hon Secreatary Yes Mrs CHAN LEE Pui-ying Consultant - 2017 Southern District Ms CHEUNG Sik-yung, MH Consultant - Tourism and Chairman of the Working Group Culture Festival- 4 Co-organiser: 2017 Southern Mr CHU Lap-wai on Closing Ceremony & Yes The Southern District District Tourism and Culture Tourism Activities Bamboo-Theatre Festival Organising Committee Chairman of the Working Group Cantonese Opera Parade Mr LAM Kai-fai, MH on Overall Promotion, - Sponsorship and Administration Chairman of the Working Group Ms LAM Yuk-chun, MH on Opening Ceremony, Cultural Yes & arts activities Dr MAK TSE How-ling, Consultant - Ada, MH Mr TSUI Yuen-wa Consultant - 2017-18 Programme Plans of the Leisure Organiser: Leisure and Cultural 5 - - - and Cultural Services Services Department Department

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