Administration summit: Chief Executive Donald Tsang speaks at the Summit on District Administration.

The Government will extend the opening hours of 33 major and district libraries under the Leisure & Cultural Services Department and will provide additional manpower and financial resources, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says.

Speaking at the Summit on District Administration today Mr Tsang said all major and district libraries in the New Territories will be open from six to seven days a week, in line with the arrangement of major and district libraries in the urban area. Their opening hours will be extended from 61 to 62 hours to about 70 hours a week.

The Government will further encourage more schools to open up their facilities, including sports facilities and school halls, for community use.

In his keynote speech, Mr Tsang said the review on the District Administration Scheme in 2006 focused on two major areas - to enhance the functions of District Councils and to strengthen the role of District Officers in district management.

He reiterated District Officers nowadays are representing the Chief Executive at the district level. They should proactively promote community building, assist in the effective implementation of government policies, reach out to the community and perform the role as a political leader at districts. 

Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing said it is essential public policies are effectively implemented at the district level, adding District Councils have all along been the key partners of the government on district affairs.

"The Home Affairs Bureau will continue to enhance co-operation with DCs, with a view to resolving district issues promptly and effectively, fostering a harmonious society and improving people's livelihood," he said.

More than 800 participants from District Councils, district organisations and Government representatives attended today's meeting. Taking into account the views and suggestions put forward by participants at today's break-out sessions, the Government proposed more than 10 follow-up measures. For details click here.