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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex today (July 6), an event that signifies the provision of more recreational, cultural and community facilities and services for residents in the district.
Addressing the ceremony, Mr Tsang said this innovative and chic government complex was proof of the effective implementation of district administration. He thanked the Sai Kung District Council (DC) for its strong support for the building's construction, as well as its invaluable suggestions on the development scope and layout plan.
He said, "The SAR Government has always attached great importance to district administration. The Home Affairs Bureau, Home Affairs Department and district offices have been in close contact with the district councils, making every effort to co-ordinate various government departments to actively respond to residents' needs and encourage more people to take part in district affairs with a view to fostering a caring community."
Mr Tsang said the new-term administration would strengthen district administration to enhance governance and to get a better grasp of social sentiments and public opinions. "We hope to have the continued support of the district councils and community groups so that we can work together for the well-being of people, conveying public opinions to the administration, and promoting effective governance and social harmony."
Occupying an area of about 6,000 square metres, the Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex is situated at 38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O, and adjacent to the MTR station and bus terminus. In addition to the Sai Kung District Office, the Sai Kung DC Secretariat, the Sai Kung District Leisure Services Office and the Sai Kung District Environmental Hygiene Office, the complex also houses the Hang Hau Sports Centre, the Hang Hau Community Hall and the Public Enquiry Service Centre. These facilities have been gradually opened to the public since last December.
Among the facilities, the Hang Hau Sports Centre is the largest sports complex in Sai Kung. It is well equipped with a wide range of leisure and sports facilities, including a gymnasium, a children's playroom, a fitness corner, table-tennis rooms, activity rooms and a multi-purpose arena with 1,200 spectator seats.
The sports centre also features the only indoor jogging track in the district. Members of the public can enjoy the fun of jogging on the 150 metre-long jogging track in all weathers. Fitted out with 37 advanced exercise machines, the gymnasium is the largest in Sai Kung district and is popular among local residents.
Located on the ground floor of the complex, the Hang Hau Community Hall is equipped with a 400-square-metre hall with a stage, a meeting room, a conference room and dressing rooms. Barrier-free access facilities are also available. Following today's opening ceremony, there are now six community halls, one community centre and four sports centres in the district.
With an environmentally friendly design, the complex uses natural lighting and energy saving features to good effect, thus reducing the impact of solar heat on the indoor temperature. Moreover, the sports centre has a green rooftop. The vertical greening design used for the external walls of the building also compliments with the design of the adjacent Pui Shing Garden.
Also attending today's opening ceremony were the Chairman of Sai Kung District Council, Mr George Ng; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung, the Acting Director of Architectural Services, Mr Stephen Tang, and the Deputy Director of Home Affairs, Ms Mimi Lee.
Ends/Friday, July 6, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:30
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