Such a tragedy could have been avoided if better safety regulations were in place. The fire was believed to have been started accidentally by welders who ignited bamboo scaffolding and netting that encased the building while it was undergoing renovations.

A major city like Shanghai should enforce much tighter building and construction safety codes. There are many skyscrapers in cities across the mainland. Officials must ensure that fire departments have appropriate, modern equipment to fight blazes in any type of building.

Families of the victims must be compensated without delay. Officials should look into the cause of the fire and find the culprits before a similar tragedy takes place again.

Karen Li Ka-wing, Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School

Book drop service should be extended

I am a book lover, and I like visiting my local library to enjoy the quiet and comfortable environment.

But sometimes because of our busy schedules, it is not so convenient to return books, especially if the library is far from home.

Last week, I saw a book drop set up in a local market where people can easily return books any time.

I think it would be so convenient if book drops were located near schools. We could return our books on the way to school, during lunch break, or after school.

As my nearest public library closes quite early, often I cannot get there in time. It would be great if there was a book drop at a convenient location. Perhaps the government could set them up at MTR stations.

Kiki So, Pooi To Middle School

Minimum wage a good first step

Setting a minimum wage was a major task for our government.

But the government also must address cost-of-living issues, such as skyrocketing inflation and the rising exchange rate of the yuan. The most crucial problem of all is the high cost of accommodation.

The governmentr should build more public housing, and subsidise low-income workers to buy their home.

Hong Kong imports most of its necessities from China. The cost of food is rising steadily on the mainland, and this is made worse as the yuan rises in value. We should start looking for other sources of food, such as Thailand and Vietnam.

Finally, the cost of public transport is unreasonably high while most workers' incomes remain unchanged.

The government should work more closely with transport providers to keep fares from rising too steeply.

But it is good that our government has finally adopted policies to protect low-income workers. Most of them will find it helpful. They would welcome an even higher minimum wage, but setting one was a good start.

The government needs to balance the needs of workers with those of employers.

Vickie Lau, Tuen Mun Catholic Secondary School

Culture of change can stop blunders

The continuing shortage of nurses and multiple medical blunders are making the public lose confidence in the Hospital Authority.

A comprehensive medical policy should cover health care reform, the administration and allocation of resources for public health services, and the quality of private medical services.

Medical blunders occur when any of these factors are not properly implemented.

The quality of public medical services is declining as manpower becomes stretched. Many patients are unhappy with the services they receive, but have no channels to express their concerns.

Medical services can only run properly if the Hospital Authority plans carefully and closely monitors all procedures. That's the only way to guarantee the safety and standard of its services.

There is no room for medical blunders as life is precious. We look forward to positive change.

Mike Lau, Queens College