The Home Affairs Department will play a more active role in co-ordinating minor works in 18 districts to help expedite the process, the department's deputy director Adeline Wong says.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning Miss Wong said a dedicated district minor works block vote of $300 million will be provided for the District Councils annually from 2008-09 to conduct minor works projects.

In light of the economic situation, government departments will study how to streamline the procedures to make the projects start quicker.

The Home Affairs Department will consider arranging on-site inspections for the councillors who propose the works and the involved departments. The move will allow them to discuss the projects' problems and work out solutions in a more effective way.

Miss Wong said some simple projects such as upgrading facilities in existing leisure venues can start much quicker because they do not involve complicated preparatory work.

Therefore the Leisure & Cultural Services Department will seek the councils' approval for scores of minor works projects to upgrade local communities.