The Beat Drugs Fund set up by Governor Chris Patten has been swamped with applications for cash in the first round of bids, it was announced yesterday.
The announcement coincided with the latest figures showing a continuing fall in the number of registered drug abusers, but a steady increase in the number of women addicts.
The government-backed Action Committee Against Narcotics yesterday announced details of the 44 applications received, which were seeking $59.5 million from a pool of about $8.9 million.
The $350 million fund, launched by the Governor in October and formally set up in April, would only spend the interest made on the capital, a spokesman said.
But she denied that meant worthy projects would not be funded. 'Some projects are not practical. I think most of the worthwhile projects will be supported.' Bidding for the second round of money would start next month, she said.
Committee chairman Professor Chen Char-nie from the Chinese University said the enthusiastic response showed the community's keen interest in combatting drug abuse.
