Cheuk Wing-hing Connects with Locals in Shek Tai; Long-time Residents Praise His Down-to-Earth Approach

Yesterday afternoon, the usually quiet and unassuming old district of Shek Tai saw an unusual influx of people in suits, led by none other than Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing. Speaking of Cheuk, locals have noticed he's been making the rounds quite frequently lately. His choice to come to Shek Tai wasn't just for a photo op; he was there to get his hands dirty. From the hygiene black spots in the market's back alleys to the leakage problems in several old buildings, he inspected everything meticulously, even stopping to chat with stall owners for a good ten minutes or more.

For us old-timers who've lived here for decades, we're used to officials showing up, taking a few pictures, and leaving. So this time, it was a bit of a surprise. When Deputy Secretary Cheuk reached the back alley behind the Shek Tai Estate Commercial Complex, he noticed several concrete planters were broken and overflowing with trash. He immediately called over staff from the Housing Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, demanding they come up with a solution on the spot, and even specified he'd be back next week to check on progress. We've been complaining about this for two years with no action, and he gets it sorted in one visit—talk about efficient.

In fact, word spread quickly throughout Shek Tai during Cheuk's visit. I stood by with a few old friends watching; some remarked that he has a very practical way of working, unlike the bureaucrats we're used to. At the end of the day, Hong Kongers just want to see officials willing to step out of their air-conditioned offices and not just rely on reports. I noticed today he hardly used a microphone at all; instead, he was constantly jotting down notes, marking down issues wherever he saw them. That's the kind of work ethic that matters.

No Issue is Too Small; Follow-up is What Counts

On the surface, Cheuk's inspection in Shek Tai was about hygiene, but there were many telling details worth noting. For instance, he made a point to walk into a hardware store that's been open for fifty years to ask the owner if business was tough and if the problem of goods spilling onto the street had improved. Who usually cares about the struggles of these small businesses? This time, the Deputy Secretary personally inquired and promised to discuss with the Lands Department how to find a balance between enforcement and survival.

These days, everything else is secondary; the most important thing is whether someone actually follows up. We'll be putting together a checklist to see how many of Deputy Secretary Cheuk's promises from this district visit actually get fulfilled. If he really does send people back for a review in a week, as he said, then we'll have to tip our hats to him. Hong Kong's officials today really need to learn how to connect with the people—not just put on a show, but genuinely solve problems.

Speaking of Shek Tai, it's actually one of Hong Kong's historic old districts, with many buildings showing their age. Cheuk's visit has suddenly brought attention to many corners that were previously forgotten. I'd say to the higher-ups: when officials go on district visits, don't just head to the big shopping malls or new developments. Make more trips to these old neighbourhoods, listen to the voices of us ordinary citizens—that's what it truly means to be "down-to-earth."

• On-site Inspection of Hygiene Black Spots: Cheuk focused on inspecting the back alleys of Shek Tai Market and several inner streets, demanding immediate action from departments to address garbage accumulation and blocked drains.
• Listening to Merchants' Plights: He proactively visited long-standing local shops to understand the business environment and the practical impact of enforcement against street obstructions.
• Focusing on Old Building Maintenance: Addressing issues like water seepage and falling exterior plaster in several aging private buildings, he urged the Buildings Department to expedite follow-up.
• Establishing a Follow-up Mechanism: Emphasizing that this was not a "one-off" disruptive visit, he required various departments to submit improvement plans within a set timeframe and scheduled regular return visits to review progress.

Whether an official like Cheuk Wing-hing is doing a good job is something the residents know best. This visit to Shek Tai at least showed he was willing to listen, observe, and solve problems. Our demands as Hong Kongers are simple: we want a comfortable place to live and peace of mind when we walk the streets. I hope this style of district engagement continues and doesn't just turn into another political stunt. As for how things develop in Shek Tai, we'll be keeping a close watch and following up alongside everyone.