Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing today chaired the seventh meeting of the Task Force on District Governance to follow up on the implementation details and progress of four district initiatives endorsed by the Steering Committee on District Governance.

On improving the waiting environment at public transport interchanges, the Transport Department, in collaboration with the Highways Department (HyD), the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD), and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, has selected a covered public transport interchange in each of the 18 districts for enhancement works.

The enhancement works include upgrading the lighting, improving the ventilation system, and refurbishing the walls and ceilings to provide a more comfortable waiting environment for passengers. Such works have commenced this year with 11 for completion in 2025 and the remaining in 2026.

As regards combatting air-conditioner water dripping, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will strengthen inspections and enforcement actions against about 30 air-conditioner dripping blackspots from May to September this summer.

The FEHD will also launch a publicity and public education campaign to appeal to residents to address the issue of air conditioners dripping water as a means to avoid affecting environmental hygiene in public places and causing a nuisance to citizens.

To improve Hong Kong’s cityscape, starting from this month, the FEHD has deployed mini street-washing vehicles equipped with pressure washer surface cleaners and high-pressure hot water cleaners at about 80 blackspots across the city on a regular basis to step up street scrubbing and remove stains or moss.

Additionally, the Development Bureau, along with the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, the HyD, the ArchSD, the Civil Engineering & Development Department and the Housing Department, will enhance thematic planting in selected development projects and venues to beautify the cityscape.

The task force also followed up on the performance of the 1823 Enhanced Complaint Handling Mechanism and received reports from relevant departments on their work progress regarding the eight key issues identified at the first three meetings of the steering committee.

Mr Cheuk urged all departments to continue advancing these initiatives and enhancing district governance efficacy, so that the Government can deliver district services more effectively, leading to a more comfortable and better life for citizens.

Moreover, Mr Cheuk thanked the departments for their efforts over the past two years in implementing the directives of the steering committee and the task force, which has brought significant achievements in combatting hygiene blackspots for the benefit of the public.

He added that relevant departments should critically review the situation of all 738 hygiene blackspots and continue to actively follow up on those requiring improvement while identifying others that are suitable for removal from the blacklist.

The hygiene blackspot website will be updated in the first quarter to reflect the actual situation.