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Ombudsman Launches Investigation into Highways Department's Road Maintenance Practices Amid Public Safety Concerns

HK

Ombudsman Launches Investigation into Highways Department's Road Maintenance Practices Amid Public Safety Concerns
HK

HK

Ombudsman Launches Investigation into Highways Department's Road Maintenance Practices Amid Public Safety Concerns

2025-04-11 11:00 Last Updated At:11:08

Ombudsman probes Highways Department's work on repair and maintenance of public roads

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (April 11) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to examine the work of the Highways Department (HyD) on the repair and maintenance of public roads, in particular the prevention of serious road subsidence incidents.

As the authority responsible for the repair and maintenance of public roads, the HyD engages contractors to carry out regular inspections and maintenance works to keep roads in safe and serviceable condition to ensure the safety of road users. However, the Office of The Ombudsman (the Office) has noted from media reports about incidents of public roads falling into disrepair from time to time, including uneven surfaces of carriageways, potholes and other damage, as well as serious road subsidence due to special incidents or extremely adverse weather conditions. The Office has also received from time to time public complaints against the HyD for failing to properly follow up on road maintenance, such as ineffective monitoring of contractors and delays in road repair works.

Furthermore, as extreme weather conditions have become more frequent in recent years, the HyD's contingency measures and emergency repair works in relation to extreme weather conditions are crucial to ensuring the safety of road users and minimising inconvenience to the public.

Mr Chan said, "Proper repair and maintenance of public roads are essential for ensuring safe and serviceable conditions of roads as well as safety and convenience for the public. Moreover, as sudden and exceptionally severe rainstorms brought about by extreme weather have happened from time to time in recent years, road closures due to subsidence and serious flooding also take place now and then. In this light, I have decided to launch a direct investigation operation to examine the HyD's work on the repair and maintenance of public roads, including the HyD's follow-up actions on complaints about road damages, monitoring of the road repair and maintenance works carried out by contractors, collaboration with the relevant departments in respect of large-scale road reinstatement works, as well as its contingency measures to handle road incidents in relation to extreme weather conditions, in particular serious road subsidence, and its emergency repairs. Where necessary, pertinent recommendations will be made for improvement."

The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by May 11, 2025:

Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre

168–200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong

Fax: 2882 8149

Email: di482@ombudsman.hk

Ombudsman probes Highways Department's work on repair and maintenance of public roads  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Ombudsman probes Highways Department's work on repair and maintenance of public roads Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) co-hosted the Hong Kong Night on April 30 (Udine time), which was organised by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, and the Hong Kong Film Development Council at the 27th Far East Film Festival (FEFF) in Udine, Italy from April 24 to May 2.

Speaking at the Hong Kong Night, the Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Miss Fiona Li remarked that, "For decades, Hong Kong has stood as a vibrant global film hub. From adrenaline-pumping action thrillers, gripping crime dramas and kung-fu epics, to laugh-out-loud comedies and deeply moving romances, our films reflect the artistic spirit, unmatched creativity, and distinctive character of our city. Our filmmakers have not only entertained but also influenced cinema around the world."

She concluded her speech by inviting audiences to visit Hong Kong in person to stroll through the iconic filming locations, dive into its vibrant stores and experience first-hand Hong Kong's dynamic energy and cinematic soul.

The FEFF is one of the largest film festivals in Europe, showcasing the latest productions from Asia and receiving significant national and international interest from the film industry, cultural sector and media. At this year's FEFF, international audiences in Italy are being treated to a special selection of films titled "Making Waves - Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema" ("Making Waves"), which showcased films from both the established and the new and emerging talents. The "Making Waves" featured ten new and reprospective films, including restored classics from Hong Kong during the festival.

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy  Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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