2008年5月29日 星期四

天天都是新工程

全賴大家的熱情、齊心與拼勁,「無國界工程師」每天甚至每小時都有新發展。過去兩星期除了不停開大小會議、電話會議、線上會議,還馬不停蹄的透過大陸與本港的不同傳媒介紹及呼籲支持「無國界工程師」; 一眾戰友經常工作至三更半夜,都是一條心的為了要支援四川災民。部分成員更將於短期內到災區做環境評估。除了感激,還是感激。


請各位熱心朋友立刻登記成為【人道工程師、建築師或專業人員】,登記方法很簡單:


1) 請按此連結:http://www.procommons.org.hk/documents/news/Application_form_EWB.xls


2) 填妥登記表,電郵至 ewbhongkong@gmail.com或傳真至29030089.



2008年5月28日 星期三

災後重建: 沒有光環的奧運

黎廣德    公共專業聯盟主席


www.procommons.org.hk


(刋於2008527日信報「專業眼」專欄)


四川大地震激發了港人血濃於水的熱情,大家都希望多盡一點心力,紓解受災同胞的苦難。第一線的緊急救援工作即將結束,重建工作尚未開始,整個災情現正處於大災難後的一個關鍵時刻:如何進行有效的評估與規劃,啓動需時多年的重建工程?


大災難的善後工作可以分為三個時期:救援期、過渡期、和重建復原期。經過首兩星期各方投入、不分彼此的救援期後,一方面讓災民得到保證生活所需的臨時安置,一方面進行協調規劃,將資源調配的重心從救援轉向災區的復原和長遠發展,正是過渡期的重大挑戰。


儘管很多港人恨不得馬上飛到災區,「能幫多少就幫多少」,但現在更急需進行的是一系列專業的災後評估,以確保我們的熱心、捐款和專業知識,能真正有效的持久協助災區同胞。評估必須包括兩方面:地震對於房屋、生計、農業、公共服務、基建設施的破壞,以及對災民需要的詳細評估,不但包括災民需要甚麼援助,更應包括所需的緩急先後,和他們本身希望採用的應對策略。


評估與規劃刻不容


2004年的南亞海嘯後,捐款從全球四方八面湧來,災區救援的基本需要很快便得到解決。但根據一位聯合國官員在事後的一份報告表示:「你可以說這是一場資源最充裕的災難,也可以說這是一場歷史上最昂貴的人道救援。」當時有最少二百個救援機構進入受災最重的印尼亞齊省,但由於只有四份之一的機構願意接受聯合國緊急援助署協調,以致部份地區的物資多到不勝負荷,另一些地區卻久待無援。


很多機構和地方官員不但沒有查詢災民需要甚麽,甚至不向災民解釋他們何時遷移、往哪裏重置和如何得到補助。在海嘯的另一災區南印度,當地災民得到一車又一車在浩熱下得物無所用的厚重棉衣,結果這些衣物全被棄置在公路兩旁,最後還要出動工作人員犧牲寶貴的救災時間把棉衣搬走,以免阻塞交道和毒害隨處覓食的牲畜。


國際救援的經驗說明,在規劃和重建階段必須結合強而有力的協調架構和鼓勵災民參與的賦權機制 ─ 這最難辦妥的頭等大事。最有效的重建應該以災民為核心,讓他們參與規劃,選擇未來的發展方案,由外界提供資源和技術支援,才可以讓重建的動力持續下去,達致災後重建的另一目標:把災區建設得比災前好。我們難以想像:誰忍心讓僥倖生還的孩子,遷入新建成卻仍然是防震不達標、工程質量不合格的校舍上課? 誰忍心讓身心重創的孩子,在不知何時再臨的天災中,再一次在危樓中等待死神?


人、錢、知識「三結合」


港人捐款的重要性,不但在於提供額外資源,更在於維繫一份對災民命運的持續關懷。重建帶來希望,更是優化政策、改善管治、成熟公民社會的契機。要善用港人捐款,受託機構有責任做到「三結合」:當地災民的參與、港人慷慨付出的資源、專業知識和技術的支援,為質量與效率提供保證。「無國界工程師」的誕生,正是為了在第三個環節盡一分力。温家寶總理表示要在三個月內完成災區重建的整體規劃,本港的專業人士能夠把握重建的契機,正如香港大學百年前的創校宗旨:實踐「為中國而立」的目標嗎?


兩個多月後舉行的北京奧運,三大目標是「綠色奧運科技奧運人文奧運: 保護環境、資源、生態平衡以確保社會的可持續發展; 結合國內外科技,提高創新能力,以改善人民生活; 傳播奧林匹克思想,展示中華文化與精神,以人為本。我們期望中國政府與人民攜手,基於以上的三個目標以花十年時間及全國資源去籌辦奧運的決心,重建災區,讓一刻天災化為中國長久的發展機遇。妥善重建災區,對此時此刻家破人亡的四川災民而言遠較奧運切身; 對其他地區憂心忡忡的國人而言其重要性也絕不亞於奧運。我們當然明白其中的阻力有多大,這是一場「沒有光環的奧運」,沒有獎金獎牌連閃光燈都沒有,對一些渴求獎賞的地方官僚而言並無拼命的動力。所以國人與港人持續的關注十分重要。


國家能藉此內化以人為本的人道精神,內化世界主流價值觀,在重建妥善完成的一天,舉辦一場「人民聖火」的全國接力紀念跑,殉難的六萬多同胞應可得到安慰


2008年5月27日 星期二

ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS’ Mission 「無國界工程師」使命


More than 80 engineers and professionals of various disciplines met on Sunday in the “Engineers Without Borders Progress Meeting”, in which I presented the organization’s mission and objectives.  I’m deeply touched by their passion, faith, audacity and humanitarian spirit.  All these are the driving force for me to work harder in the coming days.


週日超過八十位工程師與各界專業人士,出席了「無國界工程師」進度會議暨重建工作分享會; 於會上我向大家講述了「無國界工程師」的使命與目標(如下)。大家的熱情、信念、勇氣與人道精神,令我深深感動,也成為我更努力的原動力。



ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS’ Mission 無國界工程師使命


Mission


Engineers Without Borders is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to the provision of professional assistance by engineers and professionals of the built environment, including architects, surveyors, builders and other personnel of technical competence, in humanitarian work. It strives to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness in the deployment of resources when assisting disaster-stricken and impoverished communities. It aims to enhance the capacity of Hong Kong’s practicing and young professionals in responding to the needs of these communities.


Objectives


·                    To provide engineering and technical support to disaster-relief and development agencies;


·                    To support the pursuit for sustainable communities, with particular focus on alleviating poverty and reversing environmental degradation;


·                    To build capacity and increase the level of preparedness of Hong Kong engineering and built environment professionals in responding to the needs of disaster-stricken and disadvantaged communities;


·                    To set up and maintain a Register of Humanitarian Engineers and Professionals in Hong Kong.


2008年5月24日 星期六

「無國界工程師」進度報告暨災後重建會議: 明日(星期日)



無國界工程師: 進度報告暨災後重建工作分享會


(Progress Meeting this Sunday: Please scroll down for English message)


主辦:無國界工程師; 合辦:香港大學學生發展及資源中心


日期:2008525日星期日


時間:下午四時至六時


地點:博扶林道香港大學明華綜合大樓T4


講者:


1.      黎廣德工程師(無國界工程師召集人)


2.      莊陳有先生(香港樂施會前總幹事)


3.      歐豪先生(苗圃行動主席)


4.      梁青平工程師(資深救援工作者及公共衛生工程師)


議程:


1.      無國界工程師籌備進度報告


2.      災後重建經驗分享


3.      無國界工程師工作組簡介及成員招募


                             i.                第一組-過渡性房屋的合適設計及系統


                           ii.                第二組-農村校舍的工程質量提升及保證


                          iii.                第三組-公共衛生工程基建


4.      無國界工程師- 發展方向討論


歡迎所有無國界工程師支持者及相關專業人員,及捐助農村學校的慈善團體成員參加。查詢: Edward Chan (92109641) or Bruce Chong (97524520) or Raymond Ho (62906540).


******


標誌(上): 無國界工程師標誌由品牌策略顧問熊子弦 (Christine Hung) 與資深廣告人駿晃 (Billy Hau) 設計, 寓意工程師及專業人士盼以人道精神及專業知識為災區帶來希望.


圖片(下): 今早到港台與新城電台呼籲支持無國界工程師.


 


Progress Meeting cum Experience Sharing on Post-disaster Reconstruction

Organiser: Engineers Without Borders


Co-organiser: Centre for Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS), The University of Hong Kong


Date: Sunday May 25, 2008


Time: 4p.m.-6p.m.


Venue: T4 of Meng Wah Complex, University of Hong Kong , Pokfulam Road .


Speakers:


1.        Ir Albert Lai , Convenor, Engineers Without Borders


2.        Mr Chong Chan Yau, Former Executive Director, Oxfam Hong Kong


3.        Mr Eddie Au, Chairman, Sowers Action


4.        Ir Leung Ching Ping, Veteran Relief Worker and Public Health Engineer


Agenda:


1.        Progress Update on the set-up of Engineers Without Borders


2.        Experience Sharing on post-disaster Reconstruction


3.        EWB Working Groups – introduction and member recruitment:


                             i.                Group 1 – Appropriate Technology and systems for Transitional buildings


                            ii.                Group 2 – Quality Enhancement & Assurance for Rural School Buildings


                          iii.                Group 3 – Public Health Infrastructure


4.        EWB – discussions on way forward.


All supporters and professionals interested in EWB, and all NGOs involved in the donation and construction of rural schools are most welcome.  Enquiries: Edward Chan (92109641) or Bruce Chong (97524520) or Raymond Ho (62906540).


******


EWB Logo: Designed by Christine Hung, Branding Consultant, and Billy Hau, Senior Art Director of a 4A's agency, depicting EWB's mission of bringing hope to the stricken communities.  


Photo: Speak at RTHK and Metro Radio to appeal for supporting Engineers Without Borders.


******


 


2008年5月21日 星期三

瀋陽李總的皺紋與「無國界工程師」

(本文有中英文版,For the English version of the letter, please click  the link "Letters to Engineers (English Version)" located at the top banner)


給工程師的十二封信 【之四】


各位工程師朋友:


我認識李總已在十二年前,那時他剛從瀋陽市自來水總公司總工程師的崗位退休下來,我們外資投資的水廠聘請他當總經理。一位典型的東北回民,高大黝黑,在不喝酒時說話不多,一發現問題時卻搶先上前,不辭勞苦,永不言倦。一臉皺紋,更顯得他雙目炯炯有神。


多年後,我受一位耶穌會神父所託,往廣東開平為一間由港人捐資興建的農村學校解決飲用水短缺的問題。李總當時雖己再次退休,但他知悉此事後,便二話不說地帶同兩位工程師從瀋陽跑到開平,安排施工隊在學校周圍打了幾口試驗井,找到水源後在兩星期内便接好水管,結束了幾百師生多年來光靠操場旁邊的一口劣質老井燒飯解渴、殘害健康的長期困擾。


從開平農村的學童爭看新水井啓用時的笑臉,想到今次四川那九千多所在地震一剎那頹然塌下的校舍下埋著的孩子。按照中國建設部建築抗震設防分類標準,成都至北川一帶的建築物必須能抵禦七度烈度的地震; 而根據2004年頒佈的最新標準,教育建築中只有人數較多的幼兒園與小學屬於乙類,較一般標準高一度,即達到抗震設防烈度八度的要求,但其他的大部分學校卻仍只歸入丙類,令我們不禁要問此標準是否得馬上檢討。今次地震在農村和偏遠縣鎮造成大傷亡,一方面是由於震央地區的烈度已超出設計標準的承受極限,另一方面亦反映工程師的每一項設計、每一次簽字驗收都是對無數人生死攸關的重大承諾。


僥倖逃過大難的孩子,社會有責任讓他們好好活下去,而其中最重要的是讓他們盡快重新上學,在學習與群體生活中慢慢治癒心靈創傷。但我們更關心的是新建的學校必須要達到重新修訂的防震標準,尤其在貧窮落後的地區。因此一班熱心工程師正積極籌備在本港成立人道組織「無國界工程師」,讓能夠出力的義務工程師和專業人士,聯同苗圃行動等機構參與重建農村學校,並支援其他組織的人道工作


證諸過去一週的熱烈回應,我深信本港工程師可利用專業知識,開拓人道工作的新一頁。「無國界工程師」籌委會正考慮目標:一) 建立人道工程師和專業人員名冊;二) 人道組織就救災及重建工作提供工程及技術支;三) 支援貧困地區滅貧發展工作;四) 提升工程界對救災和對貧困地區支援發展的能力。


在天災面前,人力何等渺小;但是,路還得走下去我們能否多走一步,讓更多同胞免於苦難?


我記得第一次到訪陽李總家裏時,他向我展示一幀在五十年代獲頒發「全國勞動模範」榮譽時與已故中共領導人毛澤東合照的珍貴相片,所以歷任瀋陽市長對他尊敬有加。他在兩年前因急病辭世,否則,會是第一位致電給我報名加入「無國界工程師」的人吧?那深深刻在他臉上的皺紋,已見證了工程師鍥而不捨的人道精神。


黎廣德  工程師


2008520



(圖)右四戴帽者為李總,與我及多位中國工程師合攝於2000年。


 



The Wrinkles of Chief Engineer Li and Engineers Without Borders

Letters to Engineers (4/12)


20 May 2008


 


Dear Fellow Engineers:


When I first met Mr Li twelve years ago, he had just retired from being the chief engineer of the Shenyang Municipal Government Water Supplies Corporation.  Our foreign invested water purification plant engaged Ir Li as the company’s general manager.  Strong-built and dark-skinned, Ir Li was a typical North-easterner of Muslim background.  Although he never said much when he was not drinking, he was always the first one to arrive at the scene whenever there was a problem at the work place.  It seems to me that harshness was nothing to him and he was always full of energy.  The many wrinkles on his face, set against his bright and clear eyes, testified to the countless tough jobs he had gone through as an engineer.


Many years later, a Jesuit priest requested my help to solve the drinking water shortage problem in a rural school funded by Hong Kong donors in Kaiping City of the Guangdong Province .  At that time, Ir Li had already retired for the second time.  Nevertheless, when he knew about this, he immediately went all the way from Shenyang to Kaiping with two other engineers.  Under his supervision, a team of site workers was gathered together to dig several testing wells in the surrounding areas of the rural school.  When the source of underground water was affirmed, the team immediately began to lay water pipes. Shortly after two weeks, clean and reliable drinking water was flowing in the school complex. The dirty old well, which hundreds of teachers and students used to rely on for cooking and drinking, became a thing of the past.


I can still remember the smiling faces of those lovely rural schoolchildren when they first saw the new well in their school. Alas! They painfully reminded me of those poor schoolchildren who were buried alive during the terrible earthquake a week ago in Sichuan . More than 9,000 schools were reduced to rubble just in seconds. According to the Standard for Classification of Seismic Protection of Buildings issued by China ’s Ministry of Construction, buildings in the region stretching from Chengdu to Beichuan must be built to withstand Shaking Level 7 during earthquakes.  The latest standard promulgated in 2004 specifies that among all education institutions, only large kindergartens and primary schools, classified as Type B buildings, are required to reach Shaking Level 8.  Most of the school buildings are only classified as Type C.  Is this something worthy of an immediate review by the authorities now?  As the shaking level at the epicentre had already exceeded the level of endurance required by those building standards, the recent earthquake has cost immense casualty in the rural and remote areas.  These casualties remind us of one grim fact: every design and every single signature by an engineer is a pledge of life and death to all those we serve.


To those children who have survived the earthquake, the society owes them a better future.  One of the most important ways to help them restart life is to put them back to school as soon as possible.  A normal school life is probably the best way to heal the broken hearts of these children.  Nevertheless, there is one fundamental rule we must adhere to in building those new schools after the disaster ---- there must be a new standard of seismic protection for these buildings, especially those in the more backward and impoverished areas.


In an earnest bid to help, many motivated engineers and other related professionals have joined hands to set up a new humanitarian service in Hong Kong --- Engineers Without Borders (EWB).   Through cooperation with relief agencies such as Sowers Action, engineers and other professionals grouped under the EWB can volunteer their much needed advice and services in the rebuilding of rural schools in Sichuan , or support the meaningful work of other humanitarian agencies.


Judging from the enthusiastic response of the past week, I am sure that a new leaf has opened for Hong Kong engineers whereby they can utilise their professional knowledge and skills to promote and develop humanitarian services.  After its initial meeting, the Organising Committee of EWB has decided to explore its role and mission in four aspects: (1) the establishment of  a Register of Humanitarian Engineers and Professionals; (2) the provision of  engineering and technical support to humanitarian agencies for their relief and reconstruction work; (3) the support  to impoverished communities in their fight against poverty; (4) capacity building for engineers in  humanitarian work.


However futile human endeavours may have seemed in the face of great natural disasters, life must go on.  I was gratified to see that some forty engineers and architects, many of whom I have never met before, attended the first preparatory meeting of the EWB last Sunday. It was humility that has brought us together, and I hope that it would take us one step further to alleviate our compatriots from their sufferings and losses.


I still remember when I first visited the home of Chief Engineer Li, he showed me a picture he took with the late Chairman Mao in the 1950s.  That was a very precious photo to him because it was taken when he received the then very prestigious “ National Labour Model Award ”.  “You see, all mayors of Shenyang have been very nice to me since,”  he told me. Very sadly, Chief Engineer Li passed away two years ago, or else, he could well have been the first to ring me up and join the EWB.   To me, Chief Engineer Li’s heavily wrinkled face is always a testimony to the unswerving dedication of engineers to serve humanity.


Yours sincerely,


Albert Lai


 


Ir Albert Lai, Ir Li from Shenyang (the fourth one from the right with a hat) and other colleagues



 


                                                                       


Register for Humanitarian Engineers & Professionals

If you would like to help in the reconstruction work in the Sichuan Earthquake, please sign up at our [Register for Humanitarian Engineers & Professionals]:


1)      Click on http://www.procommons.org.hk/documents/news/Application_form_EWB.xls


2)      Fill up the registration form,


3)      Send it back to ewbhongkong@gmail.com


We are already in touch with many agencies and the Sichuan Authority. Our aim is to match the many needs in the disaster area and the expertise available in the Register. Although we are all eager to help, we need careful planning and coordination to make sure that resources are deployed in the most efficient manner. Your understanding and support are most appreciated.


Ir Albert Lai


立刻登記成為【人道工程師、建築師或專業人員】

我現在緊急呼籲,為四川災後重建提供技術支援:


請立刻登記成為【人道工程師、建築師或專業人員】,登記方法很簡單:


1)      請按此連結:http://www.procommons.org.hk/documents/news/Application_form_EWB.xls


2)      填妥登記表,


3)      把登記表電郵至 ewbhongkong@gmail.com


災後重建需要先做好大量協調及規劃工作,我們己與多間機構和四川省當局取得聯系,將會盡快將災區所需與我們所能提供的技術支援配對,並受及時通知大家。


謝謝你對無國界工程師的支持和鼓勵。


黎廣德 工程師


 


 


2008年5月18日 星期日

【無國界工程師】第一次籌備會議


今天下午剛召開了【無國界工程師】的第一次籌備會議,雖然只有不足三天的通知,己有三十八位朋友出席,還包括了建築師和IT等專業界朋友,一位遠在澳洲的工程師還特地來電向大家介紹當地【無國界工程師】的組織現况。在熱烈的兩小時討論中大家只有一條心:盡快為四川大地震的災民獻出一點棉力。【苗圃行動】主席和多位義工也一同出席,向大家介紹了重建災區學校的初步構思。大家決定成立五個小組,加快進度,包括(1)註册與草擬章程;(2)文宣及網站製作;(3)籌款;(4)應用研究,搜尋國際上最適合內地加速重建的技術、物料與系統設計:(5)與賑災重建的慈善機構建立聯系及提供支援。


若果您願意加入任何一個小组協助工作和互相討論,請参加以下的【無國界工程師】Facebook Group:


To see more details and confirm this group invitation, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=18710706387





 



 


2008年5月17日 星期六

「無國界工程師」消息

宣布籌備「無國界工程師」的構思後, 認識的、不認識的工程師朋友, 甚至是其他專業的朋友, 都積極回應, 我實在要衷心感激大家; 這亦將鞭策我們所有工程師, 在未來的歲月, 要加倍的盡專業人士與知識份子的責任, 關懷社會、回饋社會, 令身邊的人免於苦難、免於眼淚


我們將於明日(星期日)舉行「無國界工程師」首次籌備會議, 請大家踴躍出席:


日期: 5月18日(星期日) 下午3時


地點: 灣仔道133號星航資訊中心10樓A (公共專業聯盟) (電話 82006332)  


以下是這兩天的一些報導:


(一) 蘋果日報 (5月17日)


工程師義助重建
災區內仍有無數搖搖欲墜的危樓,加上餘震不斷,加重救災難度;除了醫療人員,也急需工程專業人員評估危樓情況及協助日後重建。本身是工程師的公民黨副主席黎廣德近日發起「無國界工程師運動」,呼籲業界伸出援手,幫助災區盡早重建。黎廣德表示,日前發出呼籲電郵後反應熱烈,預計本周日舉行的第一次籌備會議有多達30名工程師出席。他說今次地震破壞範圍大,災區內無數學校、醫院毀於一旦,要正式進行重建可能要待上三年時間,此前很可能需要進行一次全面的地形評估,部份村落甚至要重新選址。他表示,地震發生後業界希望為救災出一分力,部份身處海外的工程師甚至致電他表達訴求,故發起今次無國界工程師運動,「我希望設立一份人道工程師名冊,裏面有晒唔同專業工程師,供志願團體或地方政府參考,有需要時可以搵相關工程師協助重建或者評估工作。」黎廣德透露,目前已跟苗圃行動與無國界醫生取得默契,待無國界工程師成事,便會率先為這兩個團體提供專業支援。


(節錄)「無防震無監管


今次地震無數學校毀於一旦,本港多位學者均認為跟建築物抗震能力不足有關。城市大學建築系講座教授梁以德指,若抗震能力做得好,「8級地震都撐得住。」
無國界工程召集人黎廣德認為,內地偏遠地區的小型工程未必有足夠監督,成為今次人禍的肇因。
有份參與中環豐銀行總行興建的梁以德教授稱,從電視畫面與報章圖片所見,很多損毀的學校無做足抗震工序。他說內地當局對學校及醫院等公共設施的興建要求一向較為嚴格,若建築物位於地震帶,一般會加強建築的石屎與鋼筋,提升抗震能力,「例如普通石屎牆只需一米厚,地震帶建築就要兩米厚。」



他指抗震方法很多,包括採用木材增加柔韌度;在建築物頂部設「阻尼器」及在地基裝設「車轆」防震器卸除震盪,成本豐儉由人,若做足防震工夫,可抵禦8級地震,「豐總行遇到7級地震都冇事。」無國界工程師集人黎廣德表示,內地的監工機制跟香港一樣,按法例需合資格工程師簽署滿意紙才能入伙,但今次災區位置偏遠,加上資源不足,難以確保當地工程依足程序。事實上,內地有規定教學樓不能高過5層,樓頂必須以鋼筋水泥封頂,但今次不少倒塌學校都超過高度限制及違規用預製板封頂。中文大學建築系教授吳恩融有份參與興建內地希望工程小學,雖位處災區但沒有倒塌,因為小學以水泥、茅草等材料興建,成本不高但抗震力足。


(二) 明報 (5月17日)



(社評節錄) ...... 我們除了呼籲市民踴躍捐輸,也重提日前社評的建議,就是本港在災區重建方面,作更多的跟進和更大的承擔。當日社評提出特區政府與工程建築界應組成關注小組,與中央商討,量力而為地「承包」災區個別縣市的學校重建工作。我們高興知道本港有工程界人士已構思趁此機會,組織「無國界工程師」,本港工程師可藉此利用專業知識,直接參與救災,重建學校,改變災區學童的命運。


(三) 明報 (5月16日)


公共專業聯盟與Relief.Asia 正聯絡內地的志願團體,希望向志願團體提供泰國研發的緊急流動網絡基建,為災區內的救援人員恢復對外通訊。公共專業聯盟成員莫乃光表示,該通訊設施適合災區使用,令救援人員可調配醫生及物資。另一方面,公共專業聯盟正籌備成立「無國界工程師」組織,招募工程界專業人士參與內地苗圃行動,參與重建農村學校。公共專業聯盟主席黎廣德說,希望透過工程師的專業知識,參與救災及重建工作。


(四) 成報 (5月16日)


(節錄)另外,本港工程界人士則計劃成立「無國界工程師」組織,招募工程界專業人士,參與內地重建工作,發起籌組該組織的公共專業聯盟主席黎廣德表示,無國界工程師會參與內地苗圃行動重建農村學校的工作,並向救援組織及貧困地區,提供工程及技術支持。


(五) 經濟日報 (5月16日)


(節錄)學校倒塌多 工程師助重建

在災區救出一個孩子需一天,但要安撫受傷的心靈,讓他們再回到學院讀書,撫養他們成人所需的時間與氣力卻更大。地震後不少學校倒塌,有工程師、聯合國兒童基金會及苗圃行動正計劃重建校舍。本身是工程師的公民黨副主席黎廣德,與公共專業聯盟以及普選工程連線,籌備「無國界工程師」組織,招募有心的專業人士,參與內地「苗圃行動」,重建農村學校的工作。計劃包括建立人道工程師名冊;向救援組織就救災及重建提供工程及技術支援。


(六) 大公報 (5月16日)


公專聯籲工程師助災區


公共專業聯盟表示,正在籌備「無國界工程師」香港組織,呼籲工程和其他界別的專業人士加入,提供技術和專業知識支援,協助災區的重建和發展工作。


(七) NOW TV 訪問 (5月17日) (攝於沙田新城市廣場)



2008年5月15日 星期四

「無國界工程師」第一次籌備會議

四川汶川世紀大地震,造成萬計人命傷亡,一座又一座城鎮頓變廢墟,無數校園頃刻盡毁,我們關心活在水深火熱中的災區同胞,惦念無處容身瀕臨失學的新一代。

公共專業聯盟以及普選工程連線,正積極籌備在本港成立「無國界工程師」組織,招募有心的工程界專業人士,參與內地苗圃行動,重建農村學校的工作,為在這次世紀災難中身心受創的內地學童,重建校園,重建新生。

內地部份農村學校建設質素備受批評,當中以資源匱乏、工程質素以及投資體制等情況,最為外界關注。作為關心本港及內地全面發展的專業團體,公共專業聯盟及普選工程連線,深信知識及參與的力量,透過「無國界工程師」,本港工程師可利用本身專業知識,直接參與救災,重建學校,改變災區學童生命。

「無國界工程師」將朝着四大目標進發:一、建立人道工程師名冊;二、向救援組織就救災及重建工作提供工程及技術支持;三、支援貧困地區滅貧發展工作;四、提升工程界對貧困地區支援發展工作的能力。

本身是工程師的公共專業聯盟主席黎廣德說:「對於被迫停學的災區學童來說,沒有甚麼可以比重新在堅固、安全的校舍上課,來得更開心。香港工程師和普通香港市民一樣,高度關注四川世紀地震。我在此向本港工程師呼籲,讓我們凝聚力量,發揮工程專長,為災區學童重建一條通往學習的康莊大道。」

聯絡:
公共專業聯盟主席 黎廣德 (82006332)
公共專業聯盟 雷先生 (82006332 / 66911520)


我誠邀各位工程師參與「無國界工程師」第一次籌備會議/First Preparatory Meeting for Engineers Without Borders


日期和時間:Sunday May 18, 3pm ; 5月18日 星期日下午三時


地點::Unit 10A, 133 Wanchai Road; 灣仔道133號10A室


本會議的邀請超連結:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=14590518778




緊急呼籲:工程界賑濟四川大地震災民 Emergency Appeal: Sichuan Earthquake

各位工程師朋友:
相信大家已知悉本週一四川大地震引起的重大傷亡,這是三十年來內地最為嚴重的地震,對民生造成重大影響。我們代表「普選工程連線」呼籲各位工程師朋友本著血濃於水的人道關懷,盡力支持各個慈善團體的賑災活動,並在力所能及的範圍內,以工程界專業知識對救災活動及改善內地的抗災能力,作出貢獻。


有鑑於災區學校的建築質量問題,損毀特別嚴重,我們正與「苗圃行動」及中國青少年發展基金會探討是否能把工程界的賑災工作集中為農村學校重建。詳情容後公佈。


長遠來說,我們希望看見香港可以成立「無國界工程師」(Engineers Without Borders),以應付人道救援和貧困地區發展的需要。歡迎有意探討此項建議的朋友與我聯絡: hkalbertlai@yahoo.com.hk 。請參考www.ewb-international.org.

賑災捐款可直接存入特區政府賑災戶口(滙豐銀行「502-256803-001」)或進入「苗圃行動」網站 http://www.sowers.org.hk/search/rd?id=2329。謝謝。



黎廣德  工程師


「普選工程連線」


聯絡黎廣德: 電話: (852) 82006332  電郵: hkalbertlai@yahoo.com.hk  


網誌: http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/albertlai-hk


 


Dear Fellow Engineers,


I trust we are all aware of the humanitarian disaster of the Sichuan Earthquake on Monday.  This is the most severe earthquake in the Mainland over the last thirty years.  On behalf of [Engineers for Universal Suffrage], we would like to appeal to all engineers to support the fund-raising appeal by charitable bodies, as well as to offer your professional expertise, whenever practicable, to the current disaster relief effort and capacity building initiatives against future disasters.


In view of the poor construction quality of rural schools and hence the resulting heavy casualty, we are lining up with Sowers Action and Youth Development Foundation to see whether special efforts from the engineering profession can be dedicated to the future reconstruction of rural school buildings.  Relevant details shall be announced as soon as they are available.


In the long run, we hope that a local organisation modelled on [Engineers Without Borders] can be set up for future disaster relief and developmental work in the region.  If you are interested in exploring this idea, please feel free to contact me at hkalbertlai@yahoo.com.hk .  For your reference you may check www.ewb-international.org.


Donations may be deposited direct into the HKSAR Government account [HSBC (502-256803-001)] or sent to Sowers Action (please visit: http://www.sowers.org.hk/search/rd?id=2329 ).  Thank you.


Ir Albert Lai


On behalf of Engineers for Universal Suffrage


Contact me:    Tel: (852) 82006332     Email: hkalbertlai@yahoo.com.hk    Blog: http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/albertlai-hk




2008年5月8日 星期四

5月10日公平貿易嘉年華

為慶祝今年510日世界公平貿易日,香港公平貿易聯盟與樂施會合辦第二屆公平貿易嘉年華,並號召市民參與本港首次的「公平一刻」公眾活動,身體力行,將公平貿易產品融入個人生活,創造香港人支持公平貿易的紀錄!我今天下午到天星碼頭参加了這個公平貿易嘉年華,現場有近百人,非常熱鬧。我與太太一起自備環保袋,搜購了不少公平產品,更遇上了很多老朋友,包括一位過去致力投身民主黨和區議會工作,現在定居昆明推動社區工作的熱血女子。


有關公平貿易嘉年華的最新消息:www.fairtradehk.org


 



2008年5月6日 星期二

中九龍幹線與糖尿病老婆婆

(本文有中英文版,For the English Version of the letter, please click  the link "Letters to Engineers (English Version)" located at the top banner)


給工程師的十二封信【之三】


各位工程師朋友:


我在今年三月十五日參加了一個討論「中九龍幹線」工程的公眾論壇,臨近尾聲時身旁的中年男士向我說:「我們駿發花園居民為了興建隔音屏不知爭取了多少年,跟多少個政府部門交涉,看來這次主持會議的工程師最誠懇,希望他們這次不會讓街坊失望。」


回想起來,我第一次參與「中九龍幹線」項目已經是大半年前。當時因為政府建議的項目方案須要拆毀部份油麻地警署古蹟,引起市民和立法會高度關注,使項目處於膠著狀態。


政府部門重新反思這項目該如何進行下去,向各界徵詢意見。我與負責部門的工程師進行了兩次詳談,當下提出了三點意見:一、為了重新啓動工程,須要盡快開展一個公眾參與過程,特別是讓油麻地街坊和一些我們平常不在意的弱勢社羣都能夠參與發聲;二、為了爭取信任,建立共識,最好是邀請一家獨立的機構主持公眾參與活動,不要採用傳統的諮詢模式;三、要凝聚共識必須先擴濶視野,不要把項目視作單純的建路工程,應該視之為一個社區改善工程,鼓勵持份者尋找一些過去被忽略的發展契機。


此後半年,政府工程師聯同顧問公司和獨立機構下了很大苦功,舉辦了三場公眾論壇和「想創坊」,還安排參觀油麻地警署和組織了校際規劃比賽,當地的居民、廟街商户、玉器市場攤販和保育團體從開始時抱著半信半疑的態度轉變為積極投入、共同尋找答案的氣氛。


其實,公眾參與環境決策的理論依據源自1992年世界各國(包括中國政府)在「地球高峯會」簽訂的「里約熱內盧宣言」,至今已經成為國際共識,作為推動可持續發展的重要原則。還記得在2002年,當時我率領香港非政府組織代表團參加在南非舉行的「可持續發展世界首腦會議」,中國政府的官方展覽會就是重點介紹公眾參與使發展更公平、更符合民情的積極作用。


中九龍幹線的成功經驗是繼過去五年來眾多專業人士配合政府通過「可持續發展委員會」和「共建維港委員會」等渠道建立公眾參與機制後的另一突破。為了更多有利公眾的工程項目能順利開展,我們有必要盡快總結經驗,建立政策框架,使將來的程序運行得更暢順。這不正是工程界牽頭締造新機遇的大好機會嗎?


我在公眾論壇完結時剛好與一位七十多歲的老婆婆一起離去,她告訴我自己一個人住在上海街的唐樓,每個月都要到油麻地賽馬會診所排隊領糖尿病藥,她擔心一旦診所要搬到西九新海濱,到時『要橫過十幾條天橋,行上行落,仆死咗都冇人知』,所以她坐了一整個下午就是為了要說這一句話。我安慰她說,工程師搞新工程的目的是為了讓他們這些獨居老人家活得更好,而不是活得更苦。她一言不發,只留下彎腰、一拐一拐爬落樓梯的背影。


黎廣德  工程師


200855


後記:路政署在上週宣佈,中九龍幹線的首選方案可保留整個油麻地警署,玉器市場可原區重置,賽馬會診所不須搬遷廟街夜市則會繼續經營,開挖行車隧道後新增的地底空間將用於重置社區設施; 工程預計於2012年動工,2016年完成,涉資一百億元。


中九龍幹線公開論壇 Central Kowloon Route Public Forum




可持續發展世界首腦會議 南非 2002




The Central Kowloon Route and Community Aspirations




Albert Lai’s Series of Letters to Engineers (3/12) 



5 May 2008 


Dear Fellow Engineers, 


I attended a public forum on the Central Kowloon Route Project on 15 March this year. Towards the end of the forum, a middle-aged man sitting next to me whispered, “We residents of the Prosperous Garden have clamoured for road noise barriers for many, many years, talking to numerous government departments.  Those engineers chairing the forum this time look really earnest to me. I hope they won’t let us down again.” 


It was almost a year ago since I started to get involved in the Central Kowloon Route Project.  At that time, the project was facing an imminent deadlock because the proposal included a plan to demolish part of the Yaumatai Police Station heritage complex, which aroused major concern among the public and many LegCo members. 


Trying to find ways to break the deadlock, the responsible government departments reached out for the views of key stakeholders.  I had lengthy discussions with the responsible engineers on two occasions, during which I offered three suggestions:  


(1) To re-launch the project, a public engagement process should be conducted as soon as possible, involving especially the local residents and the disadvantaged groups of Yaumatai so that they can participate in the planning process and voice their views; 


(2) To build mutual trust, it would be advisable for an independent body to host those public engagement activities instead of following the traditional mode of public consultation; 


(3) To nurture consensus, the project should be visualised not merely as a road-building project, but also a community improvement project. Stakeholders can be encouraged to look into new development possibilities, which might have been overlooked in the past. 


In the ensuing six months, government engineers, consultants and the mediating body worked hard as a team. They organised three public forums and charettes, arranged public visits to the Yaumatai Police Station and held an inter-school planning competition. From being rather cynical at the beginning, local residents, shop owners of Temple Street and the Jade Market, as well as conservation groups became more and more involved in searching for mutually acceptable solutions to the problems. 


The concept of public participation in environmental policy-making has its roots in the Rio Declaration, a definitive document signed by many countries of the world including China, at the Earth Summit in 1992.  By now, the concept has become an international consensus and one of the key principles in sustainable development.  I can still remember, when leading a Hong Kong NGO delegation to attend the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in South Africa in 2002, the Chinese official exhibition was largely focused on how public participation could make development more balanced and more suited to local needs. 


The success story of the Central Kowloon Route project is another breakthrough after the collaboration over the last five years between many professionals and the government in experimenting new public engagement mechanisms via the Council for Sustainable Development and the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee.  To ensure that more projects beneficial to the public can be launched smoothly and quickly, we must sum up the valuable experiences we had in these public engagement exercises in order to establish a new policy framework. Should engineers not use this as an excellent opportunity to take the lead in policy-making and in fostering new development possibilities? 


After the public forum, I chanced to leave the venue side by side with an elderly woman of some seventy years old. This old lady told me that she lived alone in an old building in Shanghai Street. As a diabetic, she had to go to the Yaumatai Jockey Club Clinic every month to replenish her drug.  She was very worried that if the Clinic were to be moved to the new harbour front of West Kowloon, her monthly trip to the Clinic would be that much harder, “How can I walk up and down and cross so many flyovers? What if I trip and fall down the stairs on my way? I might be dead without anybody knowing it.” She said she had waited for the whole afternoon just to utter these words to express her concern. 


I could only comfort her by assuring her that new engineering projects are there to better, not worsen, the livelihood of elderly residents like her.  The old lady did not say a word but I could still remember how she limped her way down the stairs.  
 


Yours sincerely 


Ir Albert Lai 
 


N.B.


The Highways Department announced last week that under the Preferred Option for the Central Kowloon Route Project, the entire complex of the Yaumatai Police Station would be conserved, the Jade Market would be relocated in the neighbourhood during and after construction, the Jockey Club Clinic would stay where it is, and the Temple Street Night Market would be able to conduct business as usual. The underground space excavated for the tunnel will be used for the re-provisioning of community facilities. The Project would commence construction in 2012 and be completed in 2016, at an estimated cost of HK$10 billion.


 

Central Kowloon Route Public Forum





World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg 2002