The government will speed up the launch of minor works in all 18 districts, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-shing said yesterday.

The government has set aside HK$300 million for the minor works, which will begin as early as next month and create about 700 jobs.

Tsang had a meeting yesterday with the chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 district councils. After the meeting, he said the government will cooperate with the councils to speed up the launch of minor works, including improvements of sports and cultural amenities, as well as environment beautification programs.

He admitted that since the works involve many procedures and government departments, the progress of the works is rather slow. But he said relevant departments will enhance communication and simplify the approval procedures in order to launch the works as quickly as possible.

Tsang also pointed out that there are about 1,000 buildings that are over 30 years old throughout the city, but they have not formed owners' corporations to run the buildings. As these buildings also need repair and maintenance, the Home Affairs Bureau will talk with the Development Bureau about helping residents with maintenance services, which would create more jobs.

Choi Chun-wa, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, welcomed the expedition of minor works, saying they will provide job opportunities to local workers and workers returning from Macao.

Chung Kong-mo, chairman of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council, said the district councils have reached a consensus to speed up the process of the minor works and hope various concerned departments will streamline the approval procedures. As far as he knows, the Home Affairs Department will appoint independent professionals to evaluate the necessary consultant fees in relation to the works.

(HK Edition 11/21/2008 page1)