The Chairman of URA Board assumes office

The Chairman of the Board of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), Mr Victor So Hing-woh, who has recently been appointed by the Government for the position, assumed the chairmanship of the URA Board with effect from today (Saturday).

Prior to taking up his appointment in just about a week, Mr So has taken the time to get himself familiar with the operation and work of the URA.  Not only has he met with Board Members, the management and staff of the Authority on a number of informal occasions, he has actually visited some of the major projects to get a first-hand understanding of how the projects are being taken forward. 

Of all the projects he has visited, Mr So is much perplexed to see the acute and poor living conditions of residents at Tonkin Street/Fuk Wing Street project in Sham Shui Po where one of the residential flats has been converted into nine subdivided units. 

"The living condition of these subdivided units is congested, deplorable as well as creating safety and sanitation problems for residents who are living there.  Indeed, there is a strong impetus and need for the URA to undertake this social mission, helping people to improve their living environment wherever possible," said Mr So.

"I share the Government's viewpoint that increasing flat supply is the key to the housing problem in Hong Kong.  In this regard, the URA, with its solid foundation laid down over the past years, has been geared up to implement the new initiatives of the Urban Renewal Strategy and expedite the urban regeneration process.

"Once again, I earnestly look forward to working closely with all members of the URA Board, the management and staff of the URA, the Government and all our stakeholders in taking forward wholeheartedly the mission of urban renewal in Hong Kong," added Mr So.

(ENDS)