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Security chief appeals to Mui Wo to support college for addicts

Agnes Lam

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong has appealed to Mui Wo residents to support the re-establishment of a private school for young drug abusers in the town.

But neither the residents nor Christian Zheng Sheng College principal Alman Chan Siu-cheuk are happy with government efforts. Mr Lee acknowledged the work of the college and expressed support for its expansion proposal.

'The college has for years helped young drug abusers quit bad habits and get their lives back on track for years. It has made positive contribution to society. I appeal to Mui Wo residents to support the college.'

Since December 2006, the college on Lantau has sought permission from the Education Bureau to use the vacant New Territories Heung Yee Kuk Southern District Secondary School in Mui Wo.

'We cannot solely rely on police and the Security Bureau to win a war against drug abuse,' Mr Lee said. 'We have to mobilise everyone in society to fight this battle.'

Christian Zheng Sheng College's premises at Ha Keng, which have a capacity of 60, now house more than 121 students. The college wants to expand capacity to 200 places.

However, the vice-chairman of Mui Wo Rural Committee, Tsang Wan-chuen, said the government had not consulted residents. He said the college should pick a remote location instead of one in the centre of Mui Wo.

'The government should do more to fight the drug problem instead of opening up a school in Mui Wo to take in more young drug abusers,' he said. 'The school will create a bad image for Mui Wo and hinder our future development as a tourist spot.'

Mr Chan questioned the sincerity of the administration's push to help the school. 'We submitted our application back in 2006. But the Home Affairs Department has never consulted Mui Wo residents, and the Education Bureau has never stated its policy clearly. The government keeps saying it supports our plan. Then what has it done to help us?'

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