Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa met Wednesday with residents in Wong Tai Sin District while he continued his meetings with residents from all walks of life in Hong Kong to collect their views and suggestions.

He met secondary school students at the CCC Heep Woh College, inspected the site of a footbridge and a community hygiene project, and chatted with shop owners and passers-by to listen to their views.

Tung visited the CCC Heep Woh College and attended a design and technology class in session. He later exchanged views with some students on the education system.

"Education is an investment in human capital. We must provide our younger generation with quality education to equip them for the challenges brought about by the knowledge economy."

"Despite HK's fiscal restraints, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to education, especially investment and reform in primary and secondary schools," he told the students.

Tung then proceeded to a nearby site where a footbridge will be built across Po Kong Village Road. Wong Tai Sin District Council members requested the footbridge because of concerns for students’ safety in view of the increased traffic on the road.

Tung was happy to learn that construction of the footbridge was expected to start later this year subject to the approval of funding by the Legislative Council.

The chief executive took a stroll along Wan Fung Street and Sheung Fung Street to chat with residents and gain a better understanding of their livelihood concerns. He visited a glass and mirror shop, a Chinese medicine shop, a cafe, a clothing store, a newspaper stall, a jewelry shop and a bakery to learn how these businesses were faring.

Tung also inspected the rear lanes at Ngan Fung Street, Wan Fung Street and Sheung Fung Street, which were once littered with potholes, dilapidated walls, unauthorized building works and illegal drainage. The area was one of the environmental hygiene black spots identified by Team Clean for a pilot clean-up scheme in May 2003.

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2004)