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

Yesterday afternoon, the usually quiet old district of Shek Tai suddenly saw a flurry of men in suits. At the forefront was none other than Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing. Residents have noted that Cheuk has been making the rounds quite frequently lately. This time, his choice to come to Shek Tai wasn't just for a quick photo op. He got right into the nitty-gritty, taking a close look at everything from the hygiene blackspots in the back alleys of the market to the leaking problems in several old buildings. He even stood and chatted with a stall owner for a good ten minutes or so.

For us old-timers who've lived here for decades, we're used to officials showing up, taking photos, and leaving. So this time, it was a bit unexpected. When Deputy Secretary Cheuk reached the back lane behind the Shek Tai Estate Commercial Centre, he noticed a few concrete planters were damaged and overflowing with trash. He immediately called over staff from the Housing Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, instructing them on the spot to come up with a solution. He even said he'd be back next week to check on the progress. We've been complaining about these issues for two years with no action, and he sorted it out in one visit. That's efficiency.

In fact, as Cheuk Wing-hing made his way through Shek Tai, many residents turned out to see him. I stood by with a few friends, and someone commented that he really gets things done, not like the bureaucrats of the past. Ultimately, Hong Kongers appreciate seeing officials willing to step out of their air-conditioned offices and not just rely on reports. I noticed he didn't use a microphone much today, but was constantly taking notes, marking down any problems he spotted. That's the kind of attitude that gets things done.

Residents' Concerns are Never Trivial; Follow-Through is Key

Cheuk Wing-hing's inspection of Shek Tai might look like a simple hygiene tour on the surface, but there are many details worth noting. For instance, he made a point to step into a hardware store that's been around for fifty years to ask the owner if business was tough and if the obstruction issues outside his shop had improved. Who usually pays attention to the struggles of these small businesses? This time, the Deputy Secretary personally checked in, promising to discuss with the Lands Department how to find a balance between enforcement and survival.

These days, talk is cheap; what matters most is whether someone is truly willing to 'follow up'. We'll be putting together a checklist to see how many of the commitments Deputy Secretary Cheuk made during this visit are actually 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. Officials in Hong Kong today really need to learn how to connect with the public—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 that are quite aged. Cheuk Wing-hing's visit has brought much-needed attention to many forgotten corners. I'd say to the government: when senior officials engage with the community in the future, don't just go to large shopping malls or new housing developments. Come more often to these old districts, listen to the voices of ordinary folks like us—that's what being truly 'down-to-earth' is all about.

• On-Site Hygiene Checks: Cheuk Wing-hing focused on inspecting the back alleys of Shek Tai Market and several inner streets, giving immediate instructions for departments to address garbage accumulation and clogged drains.
• Listening to Business Owners' Plights: He proactively entered established local shops to understand their business environment and the practical impact of enforcement against obstruction.
• Focusing on Old Building Maintenance: Concerning leakage and exterior wall peeling issues in several ageing private buildings in the district, he urged the Buildings Department to expedite follow-up actions.
• Establishing a Follow-Up Mechanism: He stressed that this is not a 'one-off' or intrusive style of engagement, requiring departments to propose improvement plans within a set timeframe and arranging regular return visits for review.

When it comes to officials like Cheuk Wing-hing, residents can tell if they're sincere. His visit to Shek Tai at least showed he genuinely wants to listen, observe, and solve problems. Our needs as Hong Kongers are simple: we just want a comfortable place to live and peace of mind when we're out and about. I hope this style of community engagement continues and doesn't turn into another political show. As for the follow-up in Shek Tai, we'll be keeping a close eye and tracking the progress together with everyone.