Government presses forward controversial musical fountain project snubbing Council and public disapproval ⬇️
#Mar19 #WhiteElephantProject #FailedState
#Mar19 #WhiteElephantProject #FailedState
Government presses forward controversial musical fountain project snubbing Council and public disapproval
The Kwun Tong District Council discussed on Mar 18 about the HK$50 million Music Fountain Project at the Kwun Tong Promenade. Despite opposition from district councilors, who passed a motion in early January to halt the construction, the government disregarded the Council’s opposition, pressing the project to continue and claiming that was "out of respect for due process and spirit of the contract".
Councilors pointed out that key district projects should be led by district councils, criticizing the Home Affairs Department’s arrogance, flouting the Council’s views and public opinion. They also questioned how the fountain project could revive Hong Kong's tourism industry and asked for the project to be shelved due to lack of public support.
Being asked whether the project could be suspended or modified, Assistant Director of Home Affairs, Chung Ya-chi, stressed that the District Council and Legislative Council had been actively involved in the project approval and project funding respectively. Chung added that the annual cost of maintance would be around $1.8 million but she refused to disclose contract details quoting trade secret as reasons, reiterating that project suspension could incur additional costs. As for amendments of the project, it should be considered in line with the approved budget framework.
Chung attempted to justify public support of the project, quoting support from more than half of a public poll. It was discredited by the Chairman of the Council, Choy Chak-hung, as the poll was conducted by a pro-government party.
Source: InMedia HK #Mar19 #WhiteElephantProject #FailedState
The Kwun Tong District Council discussed on Mar 18 about the HK$50 million Music Fountain Project at the Kwun Tong Promenade. Despite opposition from district councilors, who passed a motion in early January to halt the construction, the government disregarded the Council’s opposition, pressing the project to continue and claiming that was "out of respect for due process and spirit of the contract".
Councilors pointed out that key district projects should be led by district councils, criticizing the Home Affairs Department’s arrogance, flouting the Council’s views and public opinion. They also questioned how the fountain project could revive Hong Kong's tourism industry and asked for the project to be shelved due to lack of public support.
Being asked whether the project could be suspended or modified, Assistant Director of Home Affairs, Chung Ya-chi, stressed that the District Council and Legislative Council had been actively involved in the project approval and project funding respectively. Chung added that the annual cost of maintance would be around $1.8 million but she refused to disclose contract details quoting trade secret as reasons, reiterating that project suspension could incur additional costs. As for amendments of the project, it should be considered in line with the approved budget framework.
Chung attempted to justify public support of the project, quoting support from more than half of a public poll. It was discredited by the Chairman of the Council, Choy Chak-hung, as the poll was conducted by a pro-government party.
Source: InMedia HK #Mar19 #WhiteElephantProject #FailedState