DCFC 3rd Meeting Minutes (20160503)_英文版 - 1 -

(Translation)

Minutes of the 3rd Meeting of the 5th Term Kwun Tong District Council (Full Council)

Date: 3 May 2016 (Tuesday) Time: 2:45 p.m. – 7:55 p.m. Venue: Conference Room, Kwun Tong District Office,

Unit 05-07, 20/F, Millennium City 6, 392 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon Chairman Dr CHAN Chung-bun, Bunny, GBS, JP Vice-chairman Mr HUNG Kam-in, Kin Members Mr AU YEUNG Kwan-nok Mr KAN Ming-tung Mr BUX Sheik Anthony Mr LAI Shu-ho, Patrick, BBS, MH, JP Mr CHAN Chun-kit Mr LUI Tung-hai Mr CHAN Kok-wah, Ben, MH Mr MA Yat-chiu, Marco Mr CHAN Man-kin Mr MOK Kin-shing Mr CHAN Wah-yu, Nelson, MH Mr NGAN Man-yu Mr CHAN Yiu-hung, Jimmy Mr OR Chong-shing, Wilson, MH Mr CHENG Keng-ieong Mrs POON YAM Wai-chun, Winnie, MH Mr CHENG Keung-fung Mr SO Koon-chung, Kevin Mr CHEUNG Ki-tang Ms SO Lai-chun, MH, JP Mr CHEUNG Pui-kong Mr TAM Siu-cheuk Mr CHEUNG Shun-wah Mr TANG Wing-chun Mr CHEUNG Yiu-pan Ms TSE Suk-chun Mr CHOY Chak-hung Mr WONG Chi-ken Ms FU Pik-chun Mr WONG Chun-ping Mr HO Kai-ming, Jonathan Mr YIP Hing-kwok, MH, JP Mr HSU Hoi-shan Mr YIU Pak-leung, Perry Ms KAM Kin Representatives of Government Departments/Organisations Mr LAW Sun-on, Gilford, JP District Officer (Kwun Tong) Ms CHAN Pik-ki, Eiphie Assistant District Officer (Kwun Tong) 1

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Mr MAK Shui-hei, Henry Assistant District Officer (Kwun Tong) 2 Mr Barry John SMITH District Commander (Kwun Tong), Hong Kong

Police Force

Mr Steven Douglas TAIT Deputy District Commander (Sau Mau Ping), Hong Kong Police Force

Mr YIU Hon-sang, Nicholas Police Community Relations Officer (Sau Mau Ping District), Hong Kong Police Force

Mr LIU Kin-wai, Rick Senior Transport Officer/Kwun Tong, Transport Department

Mr LI Shu-pong District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department

Mr LUK Tsz-wai, Ian Chief Manager/Management (Kowloon East), Housing Department (Atg)

Mr CHUI Si-kay, Peter

Chief Engineer/Kowloon 1, Civil Engineering and Development Department

Ms IP Siu-ming District Social Welfare Officer (Kwun Tong), Social Welfare Department

Miss TANG Man-wah, Sylvia Chief Leisure Manager (Kowloon), Leisure and Cultural Services Department

Mr SUI Wai-keung, Stephen, JP Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare Item II Mr YIP Chi-kwai, Tom District Planning Officer/Kowloon, Planning

Department Item III

Ms SO Yuet-sin, Joyce Senior Town Planner/Kowloon 5, Planning Department

Mr FUNG Kai-yuen, Clarence Senior Architect 4, Housing Department Ms FONG Tak-shiu, Teresa Senior Planning Officer 3, Housing Department Mr IP Cheung-kwok, Matthew Senior Civil Engineer 7, Housing Department Mr HO Chi-tat Engineer/Kwun Tong 3, Transport Department Mr WONG Kwok-hung, Kenneth Regional Officer (Kowloon East/Sai Kung),

Independent Commission Against Corruption

Item V

Ms Markie MAK Senior Community Relations Officer, Independent Commission Against Corruption

Mr TONG Chai-ming, Ronnie Operations Manager – Kwun Tong Line and

Tsuen Wan Line, MTR Corporation Limited

Item IX

Mr WONG Man-lung Senior Design Management Engineer – Civil, MTR Corporation Limited

Ms Lilian YEUNG Public Relations Manager – External Affairs, MTR Corporation Limited

Ms SO Yuk-yin Assistant Public Relations Manager – External Affairs, MTR Corporation Limited

Secretary

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Mr LEE Yin-bun, Philip Senior Executive Officer (District Council),

Kwun Tong District Office

In attendance: Miss KAM Yuen-ching Senior Liaison Officer (1), Kwun Tong District

Office

Miss LEUNG Yin-ping, Pammy Senior Liaison Officer (2), Kwun Tong District Office

Ms SHIU Kit-chi, Kitty Senior Executive Officer (District Management), Kwun Tong District Office

Mr KO Choar-que, Keith Executive Officer I (District Council), Kwun Tong District Office

The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting.

Item I － Confirmation of Minutes of Last Meeting

2. The minutes of the last meeting were confirmed.

Item II － Public Engagement Exercise on Retirement Protection

3. The Chairman welcomed Mr Stephen SUI, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare (“Under Secretary”) to the meeting. 4. The Under Secretary briefed Members on the key contents of the consultation document. He appealed to Members to comment on the relevant proposals on or before 21 June 2016. During the consultation period, the Government would consult the Legislative Council, the 18 District Councils (“DCs”), various trade associations, trade unions and concern groups. District forums, focus group discussions and so forth would also be organised to gauge the views of the community. 5. The enquiries and suggestions of Members were summarised as follows:

5.1 Mr YIP Hing-kwok pointed out that much of the controversy over retirement protection was centred on the uneven distribution of benefits. Even the means-tested policy for elderly retirees aged under 70 was under attack. He suggested the Government consider introducing a multi-tier retirement protection system and simplify the means-testing procedures for persons under the age of 70. A demo-grant should also be provided to eligible individuals to balance the needs of various groups in the community. Commenting on the Mandatory Provident Fund (“MPF”) System as a means of retirement savings, he indicated that its returns were low and much of the capital gains were eroded by the fees charged by the MPF intermediaries. He suggested the Government follow the example of the Singapore Government in investing for the pension contributors to achieve a guaranteed rate of return. He also suggested the Government raise the asset limit

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of $80,000.

5.2 Mr Nelson CHAN complimented the Labour and Welfare Bureau (“LWB”) for detailing the actual situations and financial burdens for different options in the document. He supported the “regardless of rich or poor” option which could reduce administrative costs, simplify administrative procedures and render asset concealment unnecessary. He suggested the Government consider: (i) reallocating resources from other sources to fund the universal pension; (ii) reviewing the population policy to increase the proportion of working population by, among others, extending the retirement age; (iii) financing the pension fund with special revenue in addition to extra profits tax; and (iv) contemplating the relevant options from various perspectives in order to benefit those in needs.

5.3 Mr BUX Sheik Anthony stated that although the Government kept emphasising the threat of running into financial difficulties if the “regardless of rich or poor” option was adopted, a scholar-backed study suggested that the proposed “universal pension scheme” would still register a surplus till 2064. He said that some elderly flat owners still scavenged cardboard boxes for a living for fear of exhausting their meagre cash savings. Therefore, he hoped the Government could provide some retirement grants to meet their basic needs so that they did not have to apply for other social security assistance, thus preserving their personal dignity. He supported the “regardless of rich or poor” option under which a monthly payment of $3,500 would be paid to all elderly people aged 65 or above with tripartite contributions from the Government, employers and employees. In addition, both employers’ and employees’ MPF contribution rates should be reduced to 2.5% due to overlapping of contributions. Additional profits tax should also be levied on enterprises with profits exceeding $10 million if necessary.

5.4 Mr Patrick LAI pointed out that universal retirement protection and poverty alleviation were in contradiction with each other and quite different in concept. As the elderly were in need of both residential care and medical care, he supported the following policies: lowering of eligible age for the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (“HCVS”), development of residential care services for the elderly and implementation of the $2 Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly. He suggested the Government consider: (i) widening the tax bands and expanding the net for indirect taxation to increase its revenue; (ii) investing in different enterprises such as the MTR Corporation Limited (“MTRCL”) to generate extra income; (iii) extending the retirement age; and (iv) taking a longer-term perspective to foster consensus in the community and avoid hasty decisions.

5.5 Mr CHEUNG Shun-wah enquired of the Government: (i) how the Old Age Living Allowance (“OALA”) Scheme or Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (“CSSA”) Scheme could be optimised with limited resources to help those living on or under the poverty line; (ii) whether the Hong Kong Monetary Authority could manage MPF funds for the public without charge to reduce fund management fees and hence prevent the persons concerned from entering the OALA or CSSA systems too early, alleviating the Government’s burden in the long run; (iii) whether it had considered promoting the features of reverse mortgage programmes offered by local banks to the elderly with assets (such as flat owners) but lacking in cash reserves so that they could have sufficient cash for living without resorting to the

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CSSA and OALA; and (iv) if it would allocate more resources to the existing elderly welfare (including medical, elderly care, housing) to cater for the needs of the public.

5.6 Ms TSE Suk-chun indicated that what elderly people needed most were medical and care services. She suggested the Government consider: (i) expanding the scope of the public-private partnership programmes in healthcare; (ii) strengthening cooperation between public and private care and attention homes for the elderly and constructing more such homes; (iii) extending the service hours of day care centres (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to facilitate drop-offs and pick-ups by working family members; (iv) lowering the eligible age for the HCVS to 65; (v) reviewing the employment arrangement of contract staff to provide better protection and increase their job satisfaction and security; and (vi) abolishing the offsetting arrangement under the MPF System by way of legislation as soon as possible.

5.7 Mr MOK Kin-shing commented that retirement protection was urgently needed in the face of a rapidly ageing population. Even if elderly people owned some assets, they needed to live with dignity. He opposed to the means-tested retirement protection option because the relevant proposal should be a universal retirement protection system instead of a welfare system. He stated that some population groups (e.g. housewives, self-employed persons) not covered by the MPF System were in even greater need of retirement protection. He suggested the Government avoid introducing means-tested welfare policies which would divide the community further.

5.8 Mr Kevin SO pointed out the substantial administrative expenses incurred by the Government in assessing and reviewing the eligibility of applicants for various elderly welfare payments (e.g. CSSA payments, Old Age Allowance (“OAA”) and OALA) and in initiating prosecution against abuses. He suggested the Government compile a consultation report in a fair manner later on.

5.9 Mr WONG Chi-ken conveyed young people’s concerns about universal retirement protection, stating that apart from repayment of government student loans, they had to start making MPF contributions. Since the Government had often stressed that it would run into financial difficulties if the “regardless of rich or poor” option was adopted, the younger generation was worried that their contributions to the universal retirement protection scheme could not be recovered and their retirement protection would be rendered invalid in their twilight years if the Government went bankrupt or failed to achieve a fiscal balance. He suggested the Government merge the MPF System and the universal retirement protection system for further public consultation.

5.10 Mr Jonathan HO suggested the Government consider: (i) transferring the funds to be injected in the future to a universal retirement protection fund ($200 billion), so as to keep the scheme more sustainable; and (ii) making a lump-sum injection and discussing with employers and employees on proposals to abolish the arrangement for offsetting long service payments against MPF accrued benefits.

5.11 Mr CHAN Man-kin held that universal retirement protection could be implemented only with the majority support from the public, or the society would be torn further

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apart. He suggested the Government adopt a “people-oriented” and “let’s talk” approach in implementing “retirement protection”, “medical insurance” and “MPF” policies.

5.12 Mr CHENG Keng-ieong said that in his constituency, many elderly residents of Wo Lok Estate who had applied for the OAA and OALA were in genuine need of support, as opposed to the Government’s current policy assumption that most elders would apply for universal retirement allowance. He urged the Government to explain in the consultation report why the existing population policy and tax regime could not be changed, and why the proposal backed by 180 scholars was unacceptable. He also requested the Government to give an account of the progress of and timetable for enhancing residential care services for the elderly, improving the HCVS and abolishing the offsetting arrangement under the MPF System. He was dissatisfied with the Government for having a pre-conceived stance in the consultation exercise, and added that the young people he knew did not object to making additional contributions for the provision of retirement protection.

5.13 Mr NGAN Man-yu pointed out that many people in the community remained unclear about the concepts of “MPF” (contributions made for themselves) and “retirement protection” (contributions made for the previous generation). He indicated that at present, employees had to contribute 5% of their income to their MPF schemes and pay taxes. Should the “Mandatory Medical Insurance” Scheme and the “Retirement Protection Contribution” Scheme be implemented in the future, employees’ wages would be significantly reduced. Therefore, retirement protection was a controversial issue requiring extensive discussion in the long run. He suggested the Government implement some short-term improvement measures to the OAA Scheme (by lowering the eligible age to 65), the HCVS (by lowering the eligible age to 65) as well as the OALA Scheme (by relaxing the income limit), and optimise the MPF System before discussing the universal retirement protection option. He also called on the Government to clarify whether there would be a twin-track system for MPF and universal retirement protection upon implementation of the latter.

5.14 Mr Kin HUNG urged Members to visit and comment on the Facebook page of the LWB on retirement protection, and called for a clear elaboration of the difference in concept between retirement protection and poverty alleviation from the bureau. He said that retirement protection should cater for those elderly retirees in need. He also suggested the Government lower the eligible age for the OAA Scheme, the HCVS and the OALA Scheme to 65 and reduce the means test threshold.

5.15 Mr Wilson OR suggested the Government consider: (i) gauging views actively from various parties on “who footed the bill” of retirement protection to reach a consensus; (ii) putting the proposed scheme into implementation as soon as possible without delay even if a consensus had yet been achieved; and (iii) reviewing and enhancing the existing elderly allowance systems before reaching a consensus on retirement protection, such as by reducing the asset and income thresholds under the means test mechanism, relaxing the asset limit for the OALA and lowering the eligible age for the HCVS to 65.

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5.16 Mr CHEUNG Yiu-pan stated that the community at large supported the direction of introducing a retirement protection system. He suggested the Government consider: (i) reaching a consensus on such implementation details as “who footed the bill” and means test threshold by all means; (ii) consolidating the existing elderly allowance systems into, for example, a multi-tier system with different allowance amounts to provide comprehensive retirement protection before the retirement protection scheme was officially launched. If a means test was required for the elderly with financial needs to receive more allowance, the test should be different from the stringent means test for CSSA applicants.

5.17 Mr TAM Siu-cheuk suggested the Government consider: (i) reviewing and enhancing the procedures for and administrative expenses involved in assessing applications for the Low Income Family Allowance and other elderly allowances; (ii) conducting review and investigation of the number of asset limit assessments in the light of the actual situation; (iii) implementing the retirement protection scheme only after the MPF System was reviewed for its appropriateness and achievement of capital growth; and (iv) providing elders in need with short and medium-term retirement protection options.

5.18 Mr Marco MA supported the “regardless of rich or poor” option in that everyone could receive retirement protection payments. He suggested the Government review the MPF investment portfolios regularly, step up public education and publicity, and even roll out additional incentives (e.g. allowing partial withdrawal of investment gains for personal use).

6. The Government responded to Members’ enquiries and views as follows:

6.1 Feasibility of retirement protection scheme: The Government was sincere in implementing a retirement protection scheme, and wished to forge a consensus in the society on taking forward the proposal.

6.2 Close of consultation period on 21 June: Upon completion of the consultation period, the Government would seriously examine the detailed report submitted by the consultant, in a bid to lay down a clear policy direction by early 2017.

6.3 Implementation of medium and short-term initiatives in stages: Members’ suggestions such as development of the elderly’s potential and extension of the retirement age would be explored and taken into account.

7. The Chairman and Members thanked the Under Secretary for visiting and hoped that the LWB would relay their suggestions to the Government for detailed study and consideration. Item III － Proposed Amendments to the Approved Cha Kwo Ling, Yau Tong, Lei Yue

Mun Outline Zoning Plan (“OZP”) No. S/K15/23 (KTDC Paper No. 16/2016)

8. The Chairman welcomed Mr Tom YIP, District Planning Officer/Kowloon and Ms Joyce SO, Senior Town Planner/Kowloon 5 of the Planning Department (“PlanD”); Mr Clarence FUNG, Senior Architect 4, Ms Teresa FONG, Senior Planning Officer 3 and Mr Matthew IP, Senior Civil

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Engineer 7 of the Housing Department (“HD”) and Mr HO Chi-tat, Engineer/Kwun Tong 3 of the Transport Department (“TD”) to the meeting to facilitate the discussion. 9. Mr Tom YIP, District Planning Officer/Kowloon of the PlanD gave a PowerPoint presentation on the paper, highlighting that the existing and planned community facilities in the Kwun Tong District were generally sufficient as there were already three swimming pools/leisure pools (located in Kwun Tong, Jordan Valley and Lam Tin respectively) and six public libraries (including three district libraries which were located in Lam Tin, at Shui Wo Street and in Ngau Tau Kok, and three small libraries which were located in Lei Yue Mun, Sau Mau Ping and Shun Lee Estate). A site had been reserved in the Yau Tong District for the development of a general out-patient clinic. Besides, other community facilities could also be provided at the podium of the public housing development at Yan Wing Street (Phase IV of Lei Yue Mun Estate) to meet the local needs. 10. The enquiries and suggestions of Members were summarised as follows:

10.1 Mr CHEUNG Ki-tang expressed his reservations on the proposed planning. In his opinion, without comprehensive, holistic and forward-looking planning, the supply of developable land in the Yau Tong District was limited. The relevant departments had responded to local demands and studied the possibility of developing an out-patient clinic at the site at the junction of Ko Chiu Road and Pik Wan Road. Furthermore, he enquired of the department: (i) whether a construction timetable for the above clinic could be provided; (ii) whether measures were in place to limit the noise impact on nearby residents during the works of the two amendment items around Lei Yue Mun Estate (including items related to the rezoning of the MTR ventilation building site and the “Green Belt” site adjoining Lei Yue Mun Estate); (iii) whether a public swimming pool would be provided in the overall planning of the Yau Tong District to meet residents’ needs; (iv) if the development of the Yau Tong Industrial Area had been planned in an integrated manner; (v) whether the department had considered the construction of a new community complex housing such community facilities as market, community hall, kindergarten and library in addition to the proposed developments, in order to cater for the planned increase in population of the district by 30 000 to a total of 140 000 from, among others, Lei Wong House and the proposed developments at the junction of Ko Chiu Road and Pik Wan Road, the Lei Yue Mun Path site, the Yau Lai Estate site and Yau Tong Bay); (vi) whether the department had considered the feasibility of installing pedestrian lights at the at-grade crossing across the carriageway between Yau Tong Centre and Yau Tong Community Hall which was also heavily used, apart from carrying out traffic improvement works at Cha Kwo Ling Road and Ko Chiu Road. Lastly, he called for active response to residents’ demands for more youth centres, parking spaces, airbus routes, etc., so as to achieve a win-win situation.

10.2 Ms TSE Suk-chun pointed out that the population of the Yau Tong District had already exceeded 80 000. Some residents of Ko Cheung Court, Ko Yee Estate and Lei Yue Mun Estate were already complaining about the serious noise nuisance in the vicinity. The proposed residential development at Ko Chiu Road would only exacerbate the noise problem. Regarding the traffic issues and community facilities in the district, she suggested the department consider: (i) enhancing the MTR services during peak hours; (ii) strengthening the provision of

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market services to the existing and future residents in the district; (iii) improving the ventilation around Lei Wong House; (iv) increasing the supply of parking spaces to alleviate the problem of illegal parking in the district; (v) advancing the opening of the recreational facilities in the district (e.g. the service reservoir at Ko Chiu Road and the rooftop garden at Domain) for residents’ enjoyment; (vi) installing traffic lights at the pedestrian crossing across Ko Chiu Road between Yau Tong Centre and Yau Tong Community Hall; and (vii) increasing nursery places in the district.

10.3 Mr YIP Hing-kwok supported the Government’s efforts to identify land for housing development to address the housing needs of the community in principle. He suggested the department consider enhancing the ancillary transport facilities and providing more community facilities (e.g. markets, kindergartens, child care centres and community centres) in the areas concerned to accommodate the population increase, and leverage on this opportunity to solve the existing problems in the overall planning of the district.

10.4 Mr CHOY Chak-hung suggested the department provide extra ancillary transport, community and cultural and recreational facilities to cope with the additional population.

10.5 Mr KAN Ming-tung suggested the department consider: (i) easing the traffic congestion around the Lei Yue Mun Road roundabout at junction with Kai Tin Road during peak hours; (ii) adjusting the frequency of bus and minibus trips serving Yau Tong and Lam Tin subject to passenger demand; and (iii) providing additional community facilities (e.g. parking spaces, library, kindergarten and clinic) in the Lam Tin District.

10.6 Mr Jonathan HO enquired of the department: (i) why a residential site in Cha Kwo Ling had been rezoned to “Undetermined” in the last amendments to the approved OZP and now a non-residential site was proposed to be rezoned for residential use; (ii) how the HD would mitigate the existing problems in the community concerned (e.g. traffic congestion at Ko Chiu Road, illegal parking around the Yau Tong Industrial Area, Ko Chiu Road and Pik Wan Road at night); and (iii) why it had been assessed that the proposed increase in population would have no impact on the traffic flow in the district.

10.7 Mr LUI Tung-hai pointed out the in-fill housing developments in the Yau Tong District in recent years. At present, the four constituencies of Yau Tong had a total population of 80 000. Coupled with the projected population increase of 20 000 people from the Yau Tong Bay development and over 20 000 people from the Yau Tong Industrial Area, the total population of the district would reach 130 000. The proposed population increase by more than 10 000 would definitely add to the burden of transport and community facilities (e.g. medical facilities, sports venues, markets, library, youth centre) in the district and lower the living standards of residents. He suggested the department consider: (i) providing more community facilities including clinic, community complex, library, swimming pool and so forth in the Yau Tong District accordingly; (ii) relocating the Yau Tong Driving Test Centre (“YTDTC”) of the TD and widening Cha Kwo Ling Road to address the traffic issues; and (iii) continuing to listen to residents’ views.

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10.8 Mr CHEUNG Shun-wah suggested the department consider: (i) enhancing the

overall ancillary facilities in the areas affected (including open space, activity space, medical facilities and traffic capacity, etc.); (ii) studying with the Highways Department the prior development of the MTR East Kowloon Line (“EKL”) to connect Tseung Kwan O (with Diamond Hill via Po Tat Estate), with a new branch line running from Yau Tong along the hillside via Lam Tin, Sau Mau Ping, Shun Lee, Shun Tin, Tsz Wan Shan, Chuk Yuen, Tin Ma to Lok Fu Station (and tracks between Po Tat and Choi Wan could be shared to form a dual Y-shaped railway), so as to tackle the problem of ancillary transport facilities in the entire Kwun Tong District; (iii) constructing a railway station at the ventilation building site for the provision of transport facilities, instead of rezoning it for residential development under the current proposal about which he had reservations; (iv) restoring the planning decision to rezone the Cha Kwo Ling site from residential use to “Undetermined” made in the last amendments to the OZP; and (v) reviewing regularly the proportions and standards of parking spaces in the district to reduce illegal parking.

10.9 Mr CHEUNG Pui-kong suggested the department increase ancillary transport and community facilities in response to Members’ suggestions before consulting the Kwun Tong District Council (“KTDC”) on the planning proposal again.

10.10 Mr Patrick LAI agreed that housing was the major livelihood issue and expressed reservations on the paper. He pointed out the limited number of markets for grocery shopping in the Yau Tong District, as well as the heavy traffic congestion around the Lei Yue Mun Road roundabout at junction with Kai Tin Road, the small Lei Yue Mun Road roundabout and the at-grade crossing across Ko Chiu Road between Yau Tong Centre and Yau Tong Community Hall. He suggested the department consider: (i) implementing concrete measures to improve the ancillary transport facilities in the district, so that the saturated traffic load could be relieved; (ii) constructing a community complex building to provide such community service facilities as clinic, swimming pool and library for the existing and future residents; and (iii) exchanging the land uses between the Yan Wing Street site and the Pik Wan Road clinic site.

10.11 Mr MOK Kin-shing realised the need to solve the housing problem, but remarked that the Government should have a long-term plan and direction. He indicated that the far from adequate ancillary community facilities in the Yau Tong District had already reached saturation point in terms of capacity. He suggested the department conduct a further detailed planning study on the proposal and liaise with the stakeholders concerned.

10.12 Mr TAM Siu-cheuk stated that in the previous planning proposals, the department had insisted that its planning would not have any impact on local residents. However, according to his observation, the traffic problems arising from the previous planning were now coming to a head. He said that the KTDC should look at the planned development from the perspective of the Kwun Tong District as a whole, not as part. In his opinion, if the department could not address the questions raised by Members, further discussion with Members should be arranged to arrive at feasible solutions. He also urged the department to

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cooperate fully with other departments to achieve a better planning.

10.13 Mr Nelson CHAN recognised the Government’s determination for housing development and suggested the department consider: (i) adopting green slope design for the Yan Wing Street site wherever possible, in order to reduce the feeling of constriction to residents in the vicinity (e.g. Yau Tong Centre) and provide better air ventilation; (ii) removing the existing vehicular ingress/egress at the Ko Chiu Road site which was located on a steep path, so as to cut the nearby slopes and minimise the traffic noise nuisance to local residents; and (iii) constructing a footbridge to connect the surrounding areas, such as Ko Chiu Road and major buildings in the vicinity.

10.14 Mr Kin HUNG suggested the department consult the KTDC again after reviewing and refining the proposal.

10.15 Mr TANG Wing-chun pointed out that the traffic flows in the areas had already saturated. For example, the small Lei Yue Mun Road roundabout, the driving test learners and the YTDTC had caused traffic congestion and serious illegal parking. He suggested the department tackle the problem of ancillary transport facilities and provide more appropriate community facilities for the existing and future residents.

10.16 Mr Wilson OR stated that the living standards of residents in the Yau Tong District had declined as its population increased. Among the problems faced by local residents were limited space, congested Lei Yue Mun Road-bound traffic, difficulty in getting on board, overcrowdedness in the interchange MTR Yau Tong Station and insufficient medical services. He considered a win-win development necessary and hoped that the development could add value to the Kwun Tong District. He also suggested the department consider: (i) expediting the construction of the proposed clinic in Yau Tong; (ii) constructing a complex building, upgrading the existing small library to district library and constructing a swimming pool; (iii) addressing the traffic problem by branching out from Lam Tin along the EKL to run through areas around Lam Tin as a new branch line; (iv) enhancing pedestrian connectivity in the district by providing additional pedestrian links and improving the existing pedestrian network; (v) providing quality community facilities (e.g. green space and park); and (vi) increasing parking spaces in the district. He called on the Government to provide more public engagement opportunities such as workshops, briefing sessions and consultation forums before implementing housing development projects to gauge the views of various stakeholders. He added that the department should relay all the concerns of the KTDC on the proposal to the Town Planning Board (“TPB”).

10.17 Mr Perry YIU pointed out that the Government had proposed in-fill housing developments at Lei Yue Mun Car Park, Yau Lai Estate and Yan Wing Street. He suggested the Government allocate the slope opposite to Ping Tin Estate in Lam Tin for open space use. He also urged the department to listen to the demands of Yau Tong residents and views of the Member of the constituency concerned in planning for the development.

10.18 Ms SO Lai-chun said that the serious traffic congestion in the Kwun Tong District

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on 22 February 2016 had affected the traffic conditions in the neighbouring Tseung Kwan O, Wong Tai Sin and Sai Kung Districts. She called for the early implementation of the Central Kowloon Route (“CKR”) to alleviate the current traffic congestion in Kwun Tong in the long run. She also suggested the department accept the aforesaid Members’ views for the benefit of Kwun Tong residents.

10.19 Mr Marco MA held that Members should show understanding for those who were still living in poor environment (such as sub-divided units) and waiting for public housing allocation. Therefore, he could not support the provisional motion moved by some Members under paragraph 6 below.

11. The Chairman concluded that the KTDC had all along been concerned about the impact of housing developments on the daily lives of local residents. He also urged the Government to consider expanding MTR Kwun Tong Station to cater for the increased passenger flow and divert passengers from the existing exits which had already reached capacity elsewhere. 12. The PlanD responded to Members’ enquiries and views as follows: Traffic Issues

12.1 Traffic problems: The department stated that in general, the Government would conduct a rather comprehensive Traffic Impact Assessment (“TIA”) covering the surrounding areas of the planned site before considering any rezoning proposal in accordance with the established procedures. According to the TIA conducted, the proposed developments would not have adverse traffic impact on the surrounding areas. Although Members might have different understandings of the traffic conditions, the department was willing to listen to Members’ views, and would study in detail with the TD on how to enhance the road sections concerned.

12.2 Inadequate parking spaces in the district: In recognition of this problem and in order to meet the local parking needs, the department had required in addition to the ancillary parking facilities to be provided in the relevant developments the provision of 250 public parking spaces in the proposed development at the Lei Yue Mun Path site, with 171 public parking spaces planned at the Shung Shun Street development site. Parking spaces would also be provided at the two sites to be rezoned for residents in accordance with the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (“HKPSG”). As mentioned in paragraph 5.15 below, the HD would also provide more private car spaces in Phase IV of Lei Yue Mun Estate, so as to meet the needs of the local community.

12.3 Proposed railway route: The department said that Members’ suggestions involving the overall Railway Development Strategy had to be relayed to the Transport and Housing Bureau (“THB”) for consideration and study. The indicative implementation window for the EKL was from 2019 to 2025.

12.4 Pedestrian system connection: The department pointed out that a covered footbridge system would be constructed in the Lei Yue Mun Estate Phase IV development linking Lei Yue Mun Estate Phases I to III, the MTR station nearby and Domain, etc. for enhanced pedestrian connectivity.

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12.5 Supporting public transport services: The department indicated that the TD would

continue to monitor the population growth in the district and review the operation of public transport services, including whether the frequency of bus and minibus trips and the number of routes were adequate. The department would also liaise with the TD from time to time on the need to strengthen the existing public transport facilities and service network.

12.6 Proposed relocation of the YTDTC: The department had already discussed the suggestion with the TD. The YTDTC was the only driving test centre in Kowloon East, providing around 16% of the driving test services in Hong Kong. At present, only 60 driving tests were conducted during non-peak hours per day, and around three tests were conducted along each of the three test routes per hour. Hence, the driving test vehicles would not necessarily induce significant traffic impact. Besides, the TD did not have a suitable site for relocating the YTDTC for the time being.

12.7 Improvement works for the Lei Yue Mun Road roundabout at junction with Kai Tin Road: Review of the need for the improvement works was underway and other alternatives were under consideration. Moreover, the TD was discussing and evaluating the arrangements of various improvement measures with the relevant departments and would report to the KTDC on the results in due course.

12.8 Congestion around the Lei Yue Mun Road roundabout at junction with Kai Tin Road: To improve the overall traffic situation, the Government would construct Route 6 comprising the CKR, Trunk Road T2 and Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel. Upon completion of the construction works and diversion of traffic flow to Cha Kwo Ling Road, the traffic around the Lei Yue Mun Road roundabout at junction with Kai Tin Road would be improved.

12.9 MTR carrying capacity: The department said that the Shatin to Central Link connecting Tai Wai to Admiralty to be completed by around 2021 would facilitate passenger diversion, thereby relieving the passenger flow of stations along the Tseung Kwan O Line and the Kwun Tong Line (“KTL”).

12.10 Proposed pedestrian lights at Ko Chiu Road off Yau Tong Centre: The department undertook to follow up on the suggestion with the TD.

Community Facilities 12.11 Construction of community facilities: The department agreed with Members’ views

that comprehensive planning was required for the timely provision of community facilities. As such, a site had been reserved for the provision of Government, institution or community facilities in Yau Tong. For example, an indoor sports centre, a small library and a small market were provided in the existing Lei Yue Mun Municipal Services Building at the harbourfront. The department was willing to provide corresponding community facilities to serve the increased population in accordance with the HKPSG requirements. It would also follow up with the relevant departments on Members’ suggestions, including the provision of appropriate community facilities such as study room and elderly facilities at the

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Yan Wing Street site.

12.12 Opening up the top of the Yau Tong Service Reservoir for leisure use: The department would look into the feasibility of the suggestion with the Water Supplies Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”).

12.13 Proposed general clinic at the junction of Pik Wan Road and Ko Chiu Road: The HD was in close liaison with the Food and Health Bureau in following up on the proposed development and studying its feasibility. Initial findings suggested that the proposed clinic and residential developments at the site with an area of 0.7 hectare were subject to various development constraints. Furthermore, given the proximity of the site to the service reservoir, extensive slope formation works were required and the site area might have to be extended to Ko Chiu Path. In view of the large number of technical difficulties involved, the development programme was expected to be completed by around 2026-27.

12.14 Proposed greening features: The department would introduce appropriate greening features in accordance with the relevant guidelines. Phase IV of Lei Yue Mun Estate would increase the green coverage to 30% as far as possible (such as by vertical greening or provision of a landscaped podium for public enjoyment). The department would also require private developers to provide leisure facilities up to a certain percentage in their developments for residents.

12.15 Phase IV of Lei Yue Mun Estate: The HD pointed out that according to the standards in the HKPSG, 52 parking spaces should be provided in the development. Yet, the total number of provision would be increased to 80 in response to local residents’ demand for parking spaces. Regarding community facilities, the department was willing to listen to the requests of both Members and residents. After negotiation with the Social Welfare Department, the department had initially planned to provide a Neighbourhood Elderly Centre, a Residential Care Home for the Elderly and a Hostel for Severely Mentally Handicapped Persons with Day Activity Centre. A multi-purpose room and a study room would also be considered.

Others 12.16 Traffic noise from Ko Chiu Road: The department would refer the concern to the

Environmental Protection Department for follow-up. In addition, the department indicated that in the design of the proposed developments at the two sites concerned, careful disposition had been made to position the buildings at locations and in directions less susceptible to noise. Windows would also be oriented to avoid noise sources as far as possible.

12.17 Rezoning the Cha Kwo Ling Tsuen residential site to “Undetermined”: The department explained that since the previous “Residential (Group A)” zoning of the site had become outdated, the department had rezoned the site to “Undetermined” pending further study of its detailed land use and development density. Yet, the rezoning did not imply the site could never be used for residential development in the future.

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12.18 Community engagement activities: The HD stated that community engagement workshops would be considered when necessary and at the design stage. Members and the local community would also be invited to participate jointly in the design of its developments, with a view to achieving a win-win situation.

12.19 Reflecting faithfully Members’ views to the TPB: The department undertook to relay Members’ views to the TPB for consideration. (Post-meeting note: The Development Bureau (“DEVB”) wrote to the Chairman of the KTDC on 3 June in response to the concerns raised by Members at the meeting. In particular, the DEVB responded in detail to Members’ comments on traffic impact and community facilities, explaining that given the shortage of land supply, it was necessary to make good use of the existing developable land having regard to the feasibility for development and ancillary facilities of the sites concerned. The PlanD would submit the proposed amendments to the OZP and the views of the KTDC to the Metro Planning Committee (“MPC”) of the TPB for consideration. If the proposed amendments were agreed by the MPC, the draft OZP would be exhibited for public consultation for a period of two months under section 5 of the Town Planning Ordinance. Members of the public could submit written representations on the proposed amendments to the TPB during the exhibition period, and all written representations and comments received during the statutory exhibition period would be considered.)

13. The Chairman informed that a provisional motion moved by Mr CHEUNG Ki-tang and seconded by Mr Ben CHAN, Mr Wilson OR, Mr CHEUNG Yiu-pan, Mr CHAN Chun-kit, Mr NGAN Man-yu, Mr AU YEUNG Kwan-nok, Mr TAM Siu-cheuk, Mr Kin HUNG and Mr CHEUNG Pui-kong was received. The motion read as follows:

“The KTDC is dissatisfied with the Government for its continuous housing development in Yau Tong without comprehensive planning, resulting in rapid population growth and overloaded community facilities. The KTDC requests the Government to submit a revised housing development proposal after responding to local aspirations for community facilities.”

14. After discussion and voting, the motion was adopted with 27 Members voted for, 0 voted against and 4 abstained. (Mr Ben CHAN left the meeting at 4:55 p.m. Mr CHAN Man-kin left the meeting at 5:20 p.m. Mr Kevin SO left the meeting at 5:45 p.m. Mr Jimmy CHAN left the meeting at 6:15 p.m. Mr HSU Hoi-shan left the meeting at 6:20 p.m.) Item IV － Follow-up on Nomination of Co-opted Members of Standing Committees

under the KTDC (KTDC Paper No. 19/2016)

15. The Secretary presented the paper. 16. The paper was endorsed. The remaining co-opted members were listed as follows:

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I. Culture, Recreation and Sports Committee (“CRSC”) (Total number of Members:

33): Nominee Nominator NG Hoi-kit, Ricky Marco MA YICK Kam-chuen YIP Hing-kwok KAI Ping-chung SO Lai-chun CHEUNG Tai-shing NGAN Man-yu MAK Fu-ling CHEUNG Pui-kong

II. District Facilities Management Committee (“DFMC”) (Total number of Members:

36) Nominee Nominator LAM Fung FU Pik-chun KWOK Hing-shing Ben CHAN CHAN Hei-kam NGAN Man-yu LAU Wai-man CHEUNG Ki-tang POON Wai-fong CHEUNG Shun-wah

III. Environment and Hygiene Committee (Total number of Members: 30)

Nominee Nominator CHEUNG Ka-yan Kin HUNG

IV. Housing Committee (Total number of Members: 34)

Nominee Nominator FONG Mei-ling FU Pik-chun HSU Yau-wai Kin HUNG TSANG Yau-cheung LUI Tung-hai

V. Social Services Committee (Total number of Members: 33)

Nominee Nominator LEE Ka-kin CHAN Chun-kit CHEUNG Yuk-ching, Bonnie TANG Wing-chun

VI. Traffic and Transport Committee (Total number of Members: 37)

Nominee Nominator AU YEUNG Wai-lun, Kelvin SO Lai-chun KWONG Sing-yu CHEUNG Yiu-pan

17. It was also endorsed that the term of office of co-opted members would last till the end of this DC term (i.e. 2016-2019). Based on the decision made at the last meeting, the newly endorsed term of office of co-opted members was the same as this DC term (i.e. 2016-2019). (Mr CHOY Chak-hung left the meeting at 6:30 p.m.)

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Item V － (A) Annual Report of Kwun Tong and Sau Mau Ping Districts Policing Plan 2015

(KTDC Paper No. 17/2016) (B) Work Plans for 2016/17

a) Kwun Tong District Core Departments b) ICAC Regional Office (Kowloon East/Sai Kung) c) KTDC (KTDC Paper No. 18/2016)

Annex 1: Civil Engineering and Development Department 18. Mr NGAN Man-yu enquired of the department how much longer it would take to complete the development near Choi Wan Road and Jordan Valley as set out in paragraph 2.11 of its work plan, which had been in progress for six years.

19. The department responded that according to the information provided by the relevant Design Section, the development was still at the design stage.

(Post-meeting note: The department stated that funding approval was being sought for implementing the signature greening works under the Public Works Programme.)

Annex 5: LCSD 20. Mr WONG Chun-ping acknowledged the work plan in the paper. Speaking of the execution and implementation of the previous work plan, he pointed out that Mr KWOK, the representative of the department, had only agreed to accept the letter submitted by Members but refused to take a photo together before the meeting of the DFMC on 10 March. He expressed regret over the incident and requested the department to take note of it. 21. Mr TAM Siu-cheuk indicated that at the meeting on 10 March, the representative of the LCSD had not only failed to give a satisfactory account of the growth of plants in flower beds, but could also have a better attitude.

22. Mr TANG Wing-chun supported Mr WONG Chun-ping in bringing the incident up for discussion. He suggested the department give the KTDC a detailed account of the incident.

23. Mr Kin HUNG pointed out the partnership between Members and government officials in promoting community development, remarking that submission of letters was a way to relay Members’ views to the relevant government departments for the purpose of promoting community building together, and unsophisticated language might sometimes be used. He hoped the department could follow up on the relevant matter in due course and strengthen communication with the Members concerned to work for the common goal of community building.

24. Mr CHEUNG Shun-wah mentioned the difficulty in communicating with the current official, unlike his predecessor. He anticipated the department to send officials who could communicate well with Members to the future meetings.

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25. The representative of the department expressed her willingness to accept Members’ letters. She undertook to look into the incident and give a response at the next meeting. The Chairman also requested the department to report on the investigation results at the next meeting.

(Post-meeting note: The department attached great importance to communication with

the local community and welcomed comments from Members on recreational matters in the district, in order to further improve the existing facilities and enhance the service standards. The department always sent representatives to accept letters submitted by Members and photos were taken for record purpose. The department had already reminded the staff of the Kwun Tong District Leisure Services Office to listen to Members’ enquiries with patience, explain the department’s policies in detail, and assist Members to comprehend various issues with detailed information, so as to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding. Regarding the enquiry about the growth of plants in flower beds, the department indicated that the flower beds should be located at Shun Lee Tsuen Playground. It was found that surrounded by lush trees, the arbour at Shun Lee Tsuen Playground was blocked from sunlight most of the time. Due to insufficient exposure to sunlight, the growth of climbers was hindered. In response, the Kwun Tong District Leisure Services Office had replaced the original plants with shade-tolerant species such as Lonicera japonica, Solandra maxima and Bauhinia glauca in June 2015, November 2015 and March 2016 respectively. However, the staff of the playground discovered that the climbers were repeatedly sabotaged, slowing down their growth. As such, it might take longer for the climbers to fully cover the arbour. The department would continue to closely monitor the growth of the plants to ensure proper care was provided.)

(c) KTDC (Annex 11) 26. The Secretary presented the paper. 27. The paper on the work plan of the KTDC was endorsed and the papers submitted by various departments (Annexes 1 to 10) were noted.

(Mr Wilson OR left the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Mr CHEUNG Ki-tang left the meeting at 6:40 p.m.)

Item VI － Matters on District Minor Works (KTDC Paper No. 20/2016)

28. The Secretary presented the paper. 29. The paper was endorsed.

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Item VII － Proposed Allocation of a Small Central Reserve under the District Minor Works Block Vote (KTDC Paper No. 21/2016)

30. The Secretary presented the paper. 31. The paper was endorsed. Item VIII － Reports of Chairman of District Management Committee and Chairmen of

Standing Committees and Task Forces (KTDC Papers No. 22/2016 and No. 23/2016)

Annex 2: DFMC 32. Mr TAM Siu-cheuk supplemented that the DFMC had confirmed at its meeting on 10 March the need to set up a “Working Group on East Kowloon Cultural Centre” to discuss the follow-up actions to be taken during the proposed construction of the East Kowloon Cultural Centre on the site of the former Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate. As the discussion might involve two committees, namely the DFMC and the CRSC, Members of the DFMC had agreed to seek a decision on the matter from the full Council of the KTDC. 33. After discussion, the KTDC decided to return the proposal for setting up the working group to the Secretariat for further study, in order to ensure that the operation of the KTDC was lawful, reasonable and fair. The KTDC also suggested the proposed working group be set up under the committee that best aligned with its terms of reference. Annex 7: Finance and Administration Committee 34. Mr Nelson Chan supplemented in relation to the declaration of interests that Chairmen of standing committees were reminded to request the Members concerned to declare their interests before handling applications for the KTDC Funds at the respective committee meetings, so as to enhance the transparency of the KTDC. 35. The papers were noted. Item IX － Motion: To Expand the Railway Stations and Implement the EKL

(KTDC Paper No. 24/2016) 36. The Chairman welcomed Mr Ronnie TONG, Operations Manager – Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line, Mr WONG Man-lung, Senior Design Management Engineer – Civil, Ms Lilian YEUNG, Public Relations Manager – External Affairs and Ms SO Yuk-yin, Assistant Public Relations Manager – External Affairs of the MTRCL to facilitate the discussion. 37. The Chairman informed that a motion moved by Mr Ben CHAN and seconded by Mr Wilson OR, Mr Kin HUNG, Mr TAM Siu-cheuk, Mr NGAN Man-yu, Mr CHEUNG Ki-tang, Mr CHAN Chun-kit, Mr CHEUNG Yiu-pan, Mr AU YEUNG Kwan-nok and Mr CHEUNG Pui-kong was received. The motion read as follows:

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Motion: To expand the railway stations and implement the EKL 38. Mr NGAN Man-yu presented the motion and requested the motion be relayed to the THB and the DEVB. Other Members expressed the following views:

38.1 Mr CHEUNG Shun-wah supported the motion and suggested the Government align the EKL to run through the Kwun Tong Mid-levels from Yau Tong via Lam Tin, Sau Mau Ping, Sze Shun, Choi Wan, Tsz Wan Shan to Lok Fu, so as to cater for the transport needs of residents in hillside areas and divert traffic away from the already saturated road networks in the Kwun Tong Town Centre and around San Po Kong. The suggested alignment differed slightly from the Government’s proposed alignment from Po Lam to Diamond Hill, and some tracks could be shared to form a dual Y-shaped railway.

38.2 Mr Nelson CHAN pointed out that MTR Kwun Tong Station was indeed very crowded. He enquired whether an additional branch line from the existing railway line was proposed in the motion.

38.3 Mr Kin HUNG said that a number of stations along the KTL were highly congested during peak hours. In case of service delays, the platforms were expected to reach full capacity and longer time would be required for passenger diversion. He called on the MTRCL and the TD to work out feasible solutions as early as possible, so that the platforms could be widened to accommodate more passengers.

38.4 Mr CHENG Keng-ieong stated that the Urban Renewal Authority (“URA”) had introduced the benefits of expanding MTR Kwun Tong Station. He asked if the MTRCL had reservations and hidden worries about the proposed expansion, such as its costs and zero impact on the existing facilities. He supported strengthening the capacity of the existing Kwun Tong Station (including its platform) to cope with the increasing population in the district.

38.5 Mr KAN Ming-tung indicated that he had proposed to the Government in 2012 the construction of a railway line through hillside areas in East Kowloon, and expressed support for the motion. He suggested the Government consider adding a station along the new EKL at Lam Tin to facilitate the use of MTR services by residents in hillside areas, with the aim of alleviating the traffic congestion in the Kwun Tong District.

38.6 Mr WONG Chun-ping supported the motion and remarked that: (i) with the population growth in the Kwun Tong District, it was imperative to expand the MTR stations along the KTL. He hoped that the MTRCL could actively consider the implementation of the proposed expansion; (ii) regarding the development of the EKL, he had proposed on various occasions the construction of a “Kwun Tong North Branch Line” similar to the EKL, running from Diamond Hill via Sze Shun, Sau Mau Ping and Lam Tin to MTR Yau Tong Station. Such proposal had been partially adopted by the MTRCL. He suggested and supported connecting the existing EKL alignment to Yau Tong Station for greater social efficiency and to solve the problem of traffic congestion in the Kwun Tong District as a whole.

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38.7 Mr CHEUNG Pui-kong opined that many MTR stations in the Kwun Tong District were extremely crowded, and advised that the MTRCL should be visionary enough to address the crowdedness of MTR stations. He suggested the MTRCL consider: (i) expanding the facilities of railway stations; (ii) building an additional branch line to divert passengers; and (iii) expediting the construction of the EKL to relieve the traffic pressure in the district.

38.8 Mr TANG Wing-chun called for the early formulation of measures to expand and improve the passenger diversion facilities in MTR stations, including ways to deal with the crowded station concourses due to increasing MTR shops.

38.9 Mr YIP Hing-kwok supported the motion, stating the inadequate capacity of escalators connecting MTR station concourses to platforms during peak hours. He suggested the MTRCL consider: (i) speeding up the escalators; and (ii) installing an escalator for operation during peak hours.

38.10 Mr CHENG Keung-fung expressed support for the motion. He also suggested the Government enhance the pedestrian connections between MTR stations such as Lam Tin and Kwun Tong Stations by, among others, providing pedestrian routes under flyovers.

38.11 Ms SO Lai-chun urged the Government to expedite the construction of the EKL as On Tat Estate on Anderson Road would soon be ready for occupation. She enquired of the MTRCL about the practical difficulties and environmental factors involved in the proposed expansion of MTR Kwun Tong Station.

38.12 Mr Patrick LAI supported the motion and suggested the Government consider: (i) confirming the alignment of the EKL (from Po Lam via Lam Tin to Yau Tong) as soon as possible, in order to cater for the residents in these two areas; (ii) implementing the proposed expansion of MTR stations at an early date, so as to meet the needs of the current and future population.

38.13 Mr LUI Tung-hai supported the motion and suggested the Government consider: (i) commencing the construction works soon; and (ii) providing a cover for the pedestrian walkway connecting MTR Yau Tong Station and Yau Lai Estate to facilitate residents’ access.

38.14 Mr TAM Siu-cheuk said that the MTRCL could seize various opportunities to expand the MTR stations in the Kwun Tong District. For instance, Kwun Tong Station could be expanded in tandem with the redevelopment of the Kwun Tong Town Centre, while the expansion works for Kowloon Bay and Ngau Tau Kok Stations could be carried out together with the construction of the proposed monorail system. He suggested the MTRCL consider carrying out the relevant works by capitalising on the above opportunities.

38.15 Mr Jonathan HO suggested the MTRCL consider diverting passengers at Ngau Tau Kok, Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay Stations in either upward or downward direction.

38.16 Mr CHEUNG Yiu-pan suggested the MTRCL actively consider the URA’s

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proposal of expanding MTR Kwun Tong Station, so as to dovetail with the current and future planning of the district.

39. The MTRCL responded to Members’ concerns as follows:

39.1 Passenger flow management in stations: The MTRCL pointed out that various passenger flow management measures had been implemented to maintain smooth passenger flow in the stations. For example, more station assistants were deployed and escalator direction was switched during peak hours.

39.2 Measures at Kwun Tong Station: The MTRCL indicated that three additional ticket gates had been provided near Exit A a few years ago to facilitate smooth passenger flow. Normal operation was observed in the MTR stations in the Kwun Tong District, and smooth operation was maintained even during peak hours.

39.3 Need for visionary railway services: Acknowledging a Member’s concern, the MTRCL responded that in fact, it had started upgrading the signalling systems of seven railway lines (including the KTL) last year. The upgrading works for the KTL was scheduled for completion in 2020. Upon the completion of all signalling system upgrading works in 2026, the overall carrying capacity of the railway lines concerned was expected to increase by around 10%.

39.4 Passenger flow management at platforms: Among the various parts, the loading of a platform was the most critical. When a platform was likely to become overcrowded, the station staff of the MTRCL would launch corresponding passenger flow management measures according to the actual situation. These measures included temporary closure of some escalators and ticket gates. The MTRCL would also adjust the entry and exit directions for the entrances of certain stations, according to the actual situation, to limit the number of passengers heading from the concourse to the platform and rationalise passenger flow. The MTRCL might also close down some entrances where the situation warranted.

39.5 Considerations for expansion works to be carried out at MTR stations in operation: The MTRCL stated that an array of factors had to be considered. These included constraints posed by the structures of individual stations, the space within a station, the surrounding environment of a station, passenger flow, and whether the expansion part involved property rights or land use rights of other parties and so forth. How to ensure continuous provision of undisrupted railway service for passengers during redevelopment was also a difficult question. For instance, during the expansion works, the services of the KTL might have to be suspended and Kwun Tong Station might have to be temporarily closed. Closure of certain traffic lanes of Kwun Tong Road might even be required to facilitate the works. According to the MTRCL, the existing structure of Kwun Tong Station, various station facilities and passenger flow management measures were largely able to meet passenger needs.

40. The Chairman concluded that the MTRCL should be aware of Members’ concerns over this problem, including crowds at ticketing concourses, congestion of escalators and passageways

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connecting concourses to platforms, and whether barrier-free facilities in the stations could be improved. The Chairman stressed that the MTRCL should shoulder the social responsibility to provide safe and comfortable MTR services for all passengers. He also called upon the representatives of the MTRCL to relay Members’ views to the management and conduct an in-depth feasibility study for the proposed expansion works with the relevant engineering departments. 41. After voting, the motion was adopted unanimously with 29 Members voted for, 0 voted against and 0 abstained.

(Post-meeting note: The KTDC’s letters to the THB and the DEVB regarding the above motion were posted on 10 May.)

(Mr CHAN Chun-kit left the meeting at 7:20 p.m.)

Item X － Any Other Business (1) “Inclusion” – Joy Charity Walk 2016 and “Adventure for Inclusive Fun Day” 42. The Chairman reported that the Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth had written to invite the KTDC to support “Inclusion” – Joy Charity Walk 2016 and “Adventure for Inclusive Fun Day” to be held on 15 October 2016 at Kwun Tong Promenade and seek approval for using the KTDC logo for publicity and at the events. 43. The said events could achieve the goal of “inclusion for all” by engaging both the able-bodied and disabled. As they were very meaningful, the KTDC accepted the invitation to be a supporting organisation.

(2) Young Artists Development Foundation – Sketch HK Youth Painting Day

44. The Chairman reported that the Young Artists Development Foundation had written to invite the KTDC to support the Sketch HK Youth Painting Day to be held on 10 July 2016 and seek approval for using the KTDC logo for publicity and at the event. 45. As the said activity was one of the major celebration events for the reunification anniversary of Hong Kong, through which teenagers could bring art into the community and deepen their understanding of the Kwun Tong District, the KTDC accepted the invitation to be a supporting organisation. (3) New World Harbour Race 2016 46. The Chairman reported that the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association had written to invite the KTDC to support the New World Harbour Race 2016 to be held on 16 October 2016. The race course was from Lei Yue Mun Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier to Quarry Bay Park Public Pier.

47. The said event could promote swimming in Hong Kong. As it was very meaningful, the KTDC accepted the invitation to be a supporting organisation. (4) “Amusement with Carps”Art Installation

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48. Ms SO Lai-chun declared an interest in this item as she was a Member of the Management Committee of the Jockey Club Lei Yue Mun Plus operated by the Kowloon Federation of Associations (Community Services) Foundation. 49. The Chairman reported that the Kowloon Federation of Associations (Community Services) Foundation Jockey Club Lei Yue Mun Plus had written to invite the KTDC to support the “Amusement with Carps” Art Installation at the Lei Yue Mun Arch.

50. The said installation could project positive energy to the society through interaction between artists and the community. As it was very meaningful, the KTDC accepted the invitation to be a supporting organisation of the project. Item XI － Date of Next Meeting

51. The Chairman announced that the next meeting would be held on 5 July 2016 (Tuesday). There being no other business, the meeting ended at 7:55 p.m. Kwun Tong District Council Secretariat June 2016