The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (August 24) officiated at the opening of Lo Wu Correctional Institution (LWCI).
Other officials present at the ceremony were the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee; the Permanent Secretary for Security, Ms K Y Chang; the Director of Architectural Services, Mrs Marigold Lau; and senior officials from Mainland and Macau counterparts.
Situated on 163 Ho Sheung Heung Road, Sheung Shui, the newly completed LWCI consists of three zones: the Main Wing, East Wing and West Wing. The East and West Wings, each with 400 penal places, are of medium security while the Main Wing, with 600 penal places, is of minimum security.
Works of the $1.5 billion LWCI redevelopment project started in April 2007 and completed in April 2010. The new institution commenced operation on July 2 with female inmates moving in in batches from Chi Sun Correctional Institution (CSCI), Chi Ma Wan Correctional Institution (CMWCI) and Lai Chi Kok Correctional Institution (LCKCI).
The Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Kwok Leung-ming, said: "Lo Wu Correctional Institution is one of the Correctional Services Department's (CSD) on-going initiatives to upgrade custodial and rehabilitative facilities to contemporary standards and to alleviate the overcrowding situation in certain correctional facilities.
"Correctional Services Integrated Management is adopted in this new institution with emphasis on people orientation, operational efficiency, economy of scale, resources management, greening concept, and community networking.
"This new management model originates from the initiative of 'Caring for People, Caring for Environment and Caring for the Community' which is intertwined with CSD's 'Vision, Mission and Values' statement and service motto."
The department would continue to enhance the quality of custodial and rehabilitative services and was determined to make the department an internationally acclaimed service and to help Hong Kong remain one of the world's safest cities, Mr Kwok added.
As all their inmates have moved into the new institution, CSCI, CMWCI and LCKCI have ceased operation. Renovation work will start at LCKCI later this year to convert the institution into an annex of Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre to ease the overcrowding there. Planning for the redevelopment at CSCI and CMWCI is underway.
Ends/Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:12
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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, officiates at the official inauguration ceremony of Lo Wu Correctional Institution this morning (August 24). Looking on is the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Kwok Leung-ming.
The Chief Executive and the Commissioner of Correctional Services observe one minute of silence before the ceremony to mourn Hong Kong victims of the hostage incident in Manila.
The Chief Executive and the Commissioner of Correctional Services observe one minute of silence before the ceremony to mourn Hong Kong victims of the hostage incident in Manila.