Policy Address

Providing the Elderly with Safe and Easy Access

168.         The Government is progressively enhancing barrier-free access facilities at public walkways under the Universal Accessibility Programme.  Having completed more than 20 projects, the Government will press ahead with the remainder of about 180 projects in all 18 districts, including the three priority projects identified by each District Council (DC).  It is expected that about 80% of the projects will be completed in phases within three years.  From the fourth quarter of this year, the Government will again invite the DCs to further nominate not more than three existing walkways in each district for the second phase of the programme.  The walkways eligible for consideration by the DCs will no longer be confined to public walkways maintained by the Highways Department, provided that certain criteria are met.

169.         Slopes and staircases are a common sight in Hong Kong.  The Government will strive to take forward in the fourth quarter of this year the construction of three lift and pedestrian walkway systems in Tsing Yi, Kwai Chung and Kowloon City, and build an elevated walkway in Tseung Kwan O and a footbridge in Tsuen Wan to provide convenient access for the public. 

Contents | Next