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Mutual aid committees have regional value and do not need to be banned in a hurry

2022-01-06T22:44:01.799Z


It is reported that the government intends to dissolve the mutual aid committees in phases, and pointed out that with the development of society, the relationship between neighbors and the building management model and location have changed. The government currently has multiple channels to communicate with residents. In addition, it also pointed out that there are also intentions in the society.


It is reported that the government intends to dissolve the mutual aid committees in stages, and pointed out that with the development of society, neighbourhood relations and building management models and locations have changed. The government currently has multiple channels to communicate with residents. In addition, it also pointed out that there are also opinions in the society that the mutual committees have a role. It is declining, so the above decision is made.

Depending on when the exemption from the Societies Ordinance is granted, the mutual committees will be dissolved as early as July this year.


Contribute to community and personal welfare

In the 1970s, the government began to enhance the spirit of mutual help among the citizens, increase residents’ sense of belonging to the community, and encourage the citizens to set up mutual committees. The initial implementation targets were private buildings and later expanded to public housing estates, factory buildings, temporary housing areas and squatters. Housing area.

Since the members of the mutual committees are voluntary, the Home Affairs Department will also provide the mutual committees with reimbursable allowances on a quarterly basis for operational support.

After years of development, the mutual committees have become a communication bridge between the government and the region. For example, they will support various government-sponsored community programs and activities, including the Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign, the Road Safety Campaign, and voter registration activities, which are not only beneficial To the extent that the government’s work in the community is smooth, it can also effectively increase citizens’ participation in the community and politics.

Anjiang Building Mutual Committee

Mutual committees have a certain role

Undoubtedly, the role of the mutual committee is indeed declining and it has been replaced by other similar groups.

According to the documents of the Legislative Council and the Housing Authority's website, the shrinkage of mutual committees has been severe, from a high of 4,000 in 1996 to 2,700 in 2010. As of July 31, 2021, only 1,663 mutual aid committees remain.

However, the decline in the total number of organizations does not mean that the MAC itself has reduced the social role it can play. Especially considering that there are currently nearly 260 pan-inhabited district councilors resigning on their own, the MAC can just fill in the missing piece of society. , As a regional organization gives citizens the opportunity to participate in public affairs.

Moreover, the MAC provides different positive effects on local work. For example, it has taken care of the blind spots of the "three-no building" to a certain extent. In the absence of an Owner’s Corporation, the MAC may just follow up the building’s fire protection facilities. In addition, the chairman of the Tsuen Wan District Council, Chen Wanchen, said that the mutual committee supports charity work and spares no effort. Taking Lei Muk Shue Village as an example, the chairman of the mutual committee will mobilize residents to raise funds for the hospital.

Finally, I have to mention that the resignation of district board members has left more than half of the seats vacant, and the funding rights for district minor projects have also been withdrawn. The current dissolution of the mutual committees may cause unnecessary political fluctuations in the grassroots communities.

Before the government makes a decision on the whereabouts of the mutual committees, it should carefully consider and cooperate with a more comprehensive reform blueprint. Don't just play a unique role just because its number is dwindling.

Making good use of district councils to improve the performance of administrative departments should leave a thread on the road to "community people's livelihood"

Source: hk1

All news articles on 2022-01-06

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