Ombudsman honours six departments for clearing illegally occupied government land
Hong Kong Ombudsman Jack Chan presented commendation letters to six government departments for cross-departmental collaboration that cleared illegally built structures on government land in Woshan Hill, Sham Shui Po. The operation ended a decade-long problem involving unauthorised buildings and safe
The Ombudsman of Hong Kong, Jack Chan, today (7 October) presented commendation letters to six government departments for their collaborative efforts in clearing illegally occupied government land at Woshan Hill in Sham Shui Po. The departments recognised were the Home Affairs Department, Lands Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Civil Engineering and Development Department, and the Architectural Services Department.
The Ombudsman's office had received complaints about long-term illegal structures on the site, including mahjong rooms, unauthorised recreational facilities, temporary toilets and miscellaneous items, which posed environmental hygiene and safety risks. After the office intervened, the six departments conducted joint inspections and enforcement actions under the coordination of the district Home Affairs Department.
The Lands Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department carried out multiple enforcement operations, successfully clearing the illegal facilities and debris in phases within a short period. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Civil Engineering and Development Department and Architectural Services Department then joined to implement improvement and enhancement plans, adding compliant, appropriate and safe recreational facilities for public use.
Mr Chan said: "One of the strategic directions I set for the office after taking up my post was to promote cross-departmental collaboration. The key to solving this decade-long problem was the departments' proactive joint efforts and resolute enforcement action." He added that the collaboration demonstrated the current government's determination to tackle issues that trouble citizens and improve public administration.
The Ombudsman emphasised that cross-departmental collaboration is a cornerstone of the "One Government" concept and an essential part of efficient, people-oriented and good governance. He noted it aligns with the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026–2030), which aims to strengthen monitoring and enhance public service delivery.
