Social Service Teams' contracts signed

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) today (Saturday) announced that it has initialled service agreements with three non-government organisations (NGOs) for the setting up of urban renewal social service teams to provide assistance and counselling service for residents affected by its early projects in Wan Chai, Tai Kok Tsui and Sham Shui Po.

The URA signed the two-year contracts with the Methodist Centre, The Salvation Army and Christian Family Service Centre, which would commence on 18 February 2002. The annual funding for operating each social service team includes a fixed lump sum fee of $600,000 and a ceiling cost of $100,000 for programme-related expenses.

The Methodist Centre will operate a social service team in Wan Chai, while The Salvation Army and Christian Family Service Centre will each set up one in Tai Kok Tsui and Sham Shui Po respectively.

While the social service teams carry out their operations independently, they will work closely with URA's front line staff to realise the mission of the Authority, which includes redevelopment, revitalisation, preservation and rehabilitation. 

Speaking after the contract-signing ceremony, Lieut.-Colonel Ian Southwell, Officer Commanding of The Salvation Army said the organisation looked forward to working hand-in-hand with the Authority to achieve the goal of urban renewal and bring compassionate care to the residents affected.

Ms Nora Yau, Director of Christian Family Service Centre said this was a good partnership of the NGO and the Authority. Together, the professional social service team and the URA's front-line staff can help the affected residents in facing the changes and problems brought by the urban renewal process.

Mr Norman K.W. Lo, General Secretary of Methodist Centre said they were pleased to be appointed to operate a social service team through an open and fair tendering process. The Methodist Centre would strive to provide the best services to cater for the social needs of the residents.

Earlier the URA invited submissions from 25 NGOs which have expressed an interest in operating a social service team. A selection panel of the Community Affairs and Public Relations Committee comprising Board members and co-opt members assessed the submissions carefully and their recommendation was approved by the Board.

Picture shows representatives of the URA and the three NGOs at the contract signing ceremony. (From left) Mr Andy Lee, Executive Director (Finance) of the URA; Ms Nora Yau, Director of Christian Family Service Centre; Mr Billy Lam, Managing Director of the URA, Mr Norman K.W. Lo, General Secretary of Methodist Centre; Lieut.-Colonel Ian Southwell, Officer Commanding of The Salvation Army; and Mr Stephen Ng, District Development Director of the URA.