Chief Secretary Henry Tang has pledged the trust fund to help reconstruct the Sichuan's earthquake-stricken areas will be transparent and closely monitored. The Government will also regularly report to the Legislative Council and the community on the progress of projects.

The Legislative Council Finance Committee today approved the Government's proposed $2 billion injection into the trust fund, which is set up under the Secretary for Home Affairs Incorporated Ordinance.

At the committee meeting Mr Tang said as the next two to three months are critical for Sichuan's overall reconstruction plan, the fund's early formation with an injection of $2 billion will enable Hong Kong's early participation in the project.

He said a "government-led, full community involvement" approach will be adopted in consolidating efforts of different social sectors, and co-ordinating and implementing individual work items.

Mr Tang reiterated affordability will be taken into account and efforts in improving Hong Kong's economy and the provision of social services will not be affected.

Allocation arrangement

The funding allocation arrangement for the various reconstruction support work may include:

* for major reconstruction works items, direct allocation of funds to entities entrusted by the Government to implement the items in co-operation with Mainland authorities;

* entrusting professional bodies and other non-government organisations to implement individual reconstruction or support items; and,

* making reference to the Disaster Relief Fund's practices and funding criteria to allow Hong Kong professional bodies and non-government organisations to apply for funding allocation to support individual reconstruction project proposals in the stricken areas.

Public donations are welcome. The 18 District Offices' 20 Public Enquiry Service Centres and all post offices will receive cheque donations from citizens and organisations during office hours from July 21. Cheques should be made payable to "SHAI - Donations for Sichuan Reconstruction".

People can also make donations via:

* HSBC account 004-808-424154-001; or,

* Bank of China (HK) account 012-875-0-039990-0.

Click here for fund details.