Urban Renewal Authority 2018-19 Annual Report

8 CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT The URA has further taken up the role of a facilitator to promote collaboration among government departments, professional associations and practitioners in the building rehabilitation industry, with an aim to enhance the awareness of building rehabilitation among building owners; while at the same time, to introduce new mindset in the organisation of building rehabilitation works. One example of such URA initiatives is the establishment of the Building Rehabilitation Platform, launched in March this year, to bring together professionals from both public and private sectors to offer professional advice, comprehensive information and technical assistance on building rehabilitation to owners. Recognising the importance of building rehabilitation in tackling urban decay, the URA continues to step up its efforts in this area. On one hand, we undertake to review policies and measures to encourage building owners to shoulder the responsibilities of building management and maintenance. On the other, we will continue to enhance the Smart Tender services to raise the competitiveness and transparency of the tendering exercises for consultant and construction works, thus reducing the risk of tender rigging and ensuring fair and accurate pricing. Meanwhile, the URA is also studying the possibility of introducing innovative technologies in building rehabilitation to equip owners with better understanding and knowledge of the conditions of their buildings, such that maintenance works can be arranged in a timely and effective way, strengthening their confidence and ability in organising rehabilitation works in the long run. Putting People First in Our Urban Renewal Work The URA upholds the principle of putting people first and practises it in our work. The setup of a team of 60 staff in 2016 for a new initiative, named “Project Engagement” programme was a notable example where we proactively visited the many residents affected by our redevelopment projects in To Kwa Wan. A total of over 3,000 residents were visited whom we helped alleviate their reservations about the project by explaining in detail the different phases of the redevelopment process. We did that with care and patience, understanding their needs and difficulties with compassion and, where necessary, referred families with special needs to social workers for timely and appropriate assistance. This people-first principle is also practised in our building rehabilitation business where URA staff join owners’ meetings, usually held in the evening, to help resolve disputes among owners and to clear their doubts in organising maintenance works. The great dedication of the URA team is much appreciated by owners, confirming our concerted efforts in putting people first at heart in our work. Collaborating with Government for New Measures Helping People through Tough Times Raising living standards is one of the major concerns of the people of Hong Kong. Over the past six years, the URA, as one of the public organisations shouldering this responsibility, not only implemented urban renewal projects to improve living environments, but also responded to government’s various policies and initiatives developed to meet the diversified housing needs and improve the living environment for local people through devoting additional resources and manpower. Visiting a stall owner in Graham Market in Central whose stall was damaged by the fire. The URA provided emergency financial assistance to affected owners for rebuilding or repairing their stalls.