2008年6月30日 星期一

新地方見! See You Around!

各位朋友:


選舉條例所限,很抱歉我暫時不能更新及回應Yahoo網誌與Facebook 的留言。由7月1日我將www.albertlai.hk與大家見面。你的支持對改變的期望,將繼續為我加油。


 黎廣德


 


Dear Friends,


To comply with election regulations, I will not be able to update or reply to messages in the Yahoo blog and Facebook pages from 1st July onwards.  Instead, I will meet you all at my new website @ www.albertlai.hk.  Your support and aspirations will continue to be a driving force for change.


 Ir Albert Lai


 


2008年6月25日 星期三

失而復得 更懂感恩

來勢洶洶的八號風暴,已暫時遠去。謝謝各方朋友的關心、傳媒的幫忙、同事們的努力,上週日忽然被封的Facebook戶口 "Albert Lai" 已於今早回復原狀,讓我可與一夜間消失的九百多位朋友重逢。失而復得,教我更懂珍惜。但今次的小風波,絕對不會動搖我一直以來的信念,該做的事我當繼續努力的做,該說的話我當繼續發聲。


你的繼續支持,你對改變的期望,將不斷為我加油。


黎廣德


My heartfelt appreciation to all my friends, teammates and the media for their concern regarding my original Facebook account "Albert Lai", which was disabled unexpectedly last Sunday.  This account has now been reactivated, allowing me to reconnect with my 900+ friends again.  What a pleasant surprise for me today!  Despite this little hiccup, nothing will diminish my resolve to speak up. Your continuous support will be a driving force for change.


Ir Albert Lai


2008年6月24日 星期二

珍惜社會資本 珍惜自由

一夜間失去九百位朋友的打擊,實在無以名狀。互聯網帶來喜悅與方便,也帶來不能承受的重。


上週日(622),就在公民黨公佈了推薦參選今年立法會選舉名單後的深夜,我原來的Facebook戶口忽然被封殺。這可能純屬巧合,但令人思索網上的言論自由究竟由誰來捍衛? 我們是否仍然活在George Orwell 1984 中的 "Big Brother"的監控下?


"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." 這句名言至今仍然一絲不假。稍一鬆懈,您和我的自由都會輕易丟失。


九百多位facebook網友是我和每一位朋友共同建立的社會資本。但願我們大家一齊在這帳户 (名字為 "Albert Lai New") 再聚在一起,在自由隨時被侵蝕的世界中保持清醒。


黎廣德


2008年6月22日 星期日

讓專業勇氣醫治「決策癱瘓症」

(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 【之六】


 


各位工程師朋友:


 


上週我出席了一個有關珠江三角洲地區空氣污染研究報告的發佈會,一位香港大學醫學院教授語帶感慨地指出:「雖然這次研究清楚指出每年最少有一萬名珠三角、包括香港和澳門的居民,因為空氣污染而提早死亡,但是我不敢奢望政府會改善政策,正如禽流感已經發生了五次,損失無數,政府仍然不敢實行中央屠宰……」。香港,你究竟生了甚麽病?


 


在任何重視生命的文明社會,人命的損失和危害健康的風險是最能夠逼使政府大刀濶斧不惜代價改善政策的動力。第一次禽流感已經是十一年前的事,到今天才見到政府高層多一點决心,我們的決策官員究竟生了甚麽病?


 


特區政府高層患上了「決策癱瘓症」,受害的不僅是七百萬市民,更使工程界錯失了無數發展機遇。這些例子俯拾皆是:


 


·                   為了徹底改善空氣質素,可持續發展委員會兩年前提出近四十項共需投資逾五百億元的計劃,至今大部份石沉大海;


·                   中央屠宰場造價二億二千萬元,磋跎十一年落實無期;


·                   電廠減低排放須更換潔淨能源,政府遲遲不決定耗資一百億元的天然氣接收站興建方案,更未研究如何把天然氣應用普及化; 相比之下,北京公交部門已投資四十億元更換系統,今年將有五千部天然氣巴士在路上行走;


·                   我在2003年受可持續發展委員會所託召集了一個專家支援小組,推動公眾參與並制訂了固體廢物管理的可持續發展策略,包括推行焚化爐的建議,而早於1998年環保署的減廢框架計劃亦已提出興建焚化爐。可借直到今天,這個投資四十億元的計劃連是否進行政府也未作實;


·                   儘管早於2000年政府委任的國際專家小組已經建議進行淨化海港計劃的生物處理(即第二期乙工程),但政府高層至今仍然拒絕為這個108億元的項目訂立確切時間表;


·                   為了解決港島北岸的交通擠塞,電子道路收費系統過去二十年來研究了一次又一次,共建維港委員會委任的專家小組也認為建設中環-灣仔繞道不能取代電子道路收費,但至今政府仍然是議而不決。


 


單單上述拖延無期的工程項目總值已逾七百億元。只要添加政策創意,這些都是可以獲得社會大眾喝采表現政府能「急民之所急」的項目。然而,政府的拖延卻令社會在環境惡化和公共健康方面,繼續承受難以量度的風險。若果工程界不能團結起來,一起醫治特區高層的「决策癱瘓症」,我們損失的機遇實在不可勝數,每一位工程師都是受害人,每一位市民也是受害人。


 


特區政府高層拖延决策往往是由於自保心態、昧於國際形勢、不掌握技術關節、受制於特殊利益、或落後於加速改變的市民期望。工程界若能運用科學理據,以無畏無私的態度表達獨立的專業意見和前瞻思維,便可以凝聚巨大的道德力量,成為民意「造就者」,提供聰明答案,更成為協助政府下定决心前進的伙伴。


 


有人只敢私下說:「工程師最好只顧飯碗,不要作聲。」但其實大家心裏明白,真正顧飯碗的工程師不會願意在特權利益面前退縮,任人踐踏工程界發展的新機會。在權貴面前是其是、非其非,把專業人士的尊嚴放在第一位,才可以讓許多利民卻被冷藏的工程項目重見天日,才是工程師利己利人的最佳出路。


 


黎廣德  工程師


2008622


 



日本埼玉縣川口市朝日環境中心


(嗚謝 Peter Li 李少文提供照片)




台北北投焚化爐


(嗚謝 Peter Li 李少文提供照片)


Let Professional Courage heal the “Policy-making Paralysis Syndrome”

Letters to Engineers : 6 of 12


 


22 June 2008


   


Dear Fellow Engineers,


   



I attended a briefing on the latest report of air pollution in the Pearl River Delta region last week.  A professor from the Faculty of Medicine of the Hong Kong University lamented, “Although this research clearly shows that there are at least 10,000  premature deaths from air pollution in the Pearl River Delta which covers Hong Kong and Macau , I do not anticipate the SAR Government to make any policy improvements in this area. Just like bird flu, which has already broken out for five times and caused huge damages, the government still hesitates on the central slaughtering system.”


 


So, what exactly is Hong Kong suffering from?


 


In any civilised society, the loss of human life and the spread of health risks are the most crucial factors that will motivate a government to act boldly and resolutely to forge policy changes.   The first widespread outbreak of the avian flu was already eleven years back. However, it was not until recently that the highest echelons of the Government began to show a greater sense of determination to do something.


 


So, what exactly are our policymakers suffering from?


 


The SAR Government has all the way been suffering from a ‘Policy-making Paralysis Syndrome’ (‘PPS’). Because of such a syndrome, all citizens of Hong Kong are victimised. Hong Kong engineers, in particular, have seen the drifting away of myriads of opportunities that could have bettered our city’s development in numerous aspects. Examples are so obvious to pick:


 



  • To make fundamental improvements on Hong Kong ’s air quality, the Council for Sustainable Development recommended a comprehensive package two years ago, consisting of nearly 40 action items worth more than $50 billion of investments. Most of these proposed actions, however, have not even been discussed;

  • The Central Slaughtering House has been earmarked as a project worthy of $220 million. Eleven years have passed since the first outbreak of the bird flu but there is still no decision to go ahead;

  • For power plants to reduce emissions, clean energy is required. Yet the government remains undecided about the options for a $10 billion natural gas receiving terminal, not to mention the launch of any research studies on how to popularise the use of natural gas in our city. On the contrary, the public transport authorities in Beijing have already invested RMB 4 billion to upgrade their fleet and infrastructure.  Five thousand new coaches running on natural gas are expected to be seen on the roads of Beijing this year;

  • In 2003, I was entrusted by the Council for Sustainable Development to convene a specialists support group with a view to promoting public participation and recommending sustainable strategies in solid waste management. The construction of bulk treatment facilities such as incinerators is part and parcel of the recommended strategy.  Unfortunately the Government is yet to decide on whether the investment of $4 billion in incinerator will go ahead;

  • Although as early as 2000, the International Expert Panel appointed by the Government recommended that biological treatment (Stage 2B) of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme is both necessary and desirable, the top officials still refuse to set a definite timetable for this $10.8 billion project;

  • To relieve traffic congestions on the northern part of the Hong Kong Island , the electronic road pricing system has been put to earnest investigation time and again in the past twenty years.  Even the Transport Expert Panel appointed by the Harbourfront Enhancement Committee agreed that the Central-Wanchai Bypass could not be a replacement of the electronic road pricing system.  Nonetheless, the Government has still not made up its mind.

 


The endless delay of these projects alone has already led to the loss of engineering contracts worth over $70 billion.  If creativity were ever applied to policymaking, these projects could have earned loud public applauses for the Government, and demonstrated to Hongkongers that the Government really cares what they care.  Instead, the indecision and delay on the part of the Government have continued to heighten the immeasurable risks in environmental quality and public health.  Therefore, if Hong Kong ’s engineers do not stand together to help heal this PPS at the Government’s top level, the loss to the profession is both gigantic and endless.  Not only every engineer becomes a victim; everybody in Hong Kong becomes a victim.


 


It is the self-preservation mentality of the Government’s top policymakers that has led to all these.  The present situation is also caused by these officials’ lack of international perspective, their inability to grasp key technical know-how, their kow-towing to vested interests, or their failure to keep pace with changing public aspirations. If  engineers can articulate their views using good science, and voice them out with professional integrity and independence, they will gain significant moral strength to become  true ‘enablers’ of public opinion - providing smart solutions and becoming true partners of the Government by enhancing the latter’s resolve in policy-making.


 


Some may say in private that “engineers should better mind their own jobs and keep their mouths shut.”  But I think all of us can understand that any engineer who truly cares for his or her own job will not step back in the face of vested interest and let the profession’s new development opportunities be trampled under its feet.  Speaking the truth in front of the power and the rich is the best way to reinstate the professional pride of all engineers to where it should be.  It is in the best interest of all engineers and Hongkongers to walk tall and thereby revive all those frozen but badly needed engineering projects.


 


 


Yours truly,


 


 


Ir Albert Lai


 



 


Asahi Environment Centre, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan


(Photo Courtesy of Peter Li)


 



Incinerator in Beitou District, Taipei


(Photo Courtesy of Peter Li)


 


2008年6月20日 星期五

巴黎行,香港也行系列之一:單車自由行


我曾經以公共專業聯盟主席的身份,在「人文西九」和「重構城市佈局」的研究報告內,分別介紹和建議「單車自由行」和「副都市中心」的概念,並以法國巴黎市的“Velib”單車租用計劃, La Defense 商業中心,分別為單車自由行和副都市中心的範例


我的同事剛到過巴黎,並實地考察看過“Velib”單車租用計劃,和 La Defense 商業中心的規劃。他對我說“Velib” 單車租用計劃非常受歡迎,巴黎市各處都可以看到有人騎著有“Velib”字樣的灰色單車; 租單車很簡單,只要拍一拍類似八達通的卡就可; 各單車站佔用很小的地方的,但卻可提供20輛單車,它們往往很快就被租用了。所以,"Velib" 單車租用計劃絕對可在香港推行!


希望香港也能實現單車自由行!


下回和大家分享一下副都市中心的典範 -- La Defense 商業中心的經驗吧。


人文西九報告http://www.procommons.org.hk/documents/WKCD_Report--full%20report.pdf

重構城市佈局報告


http://www.procommons.org.hk/documents/20080331_NT_North_Development_Plan_full_report_v2.pdf



好一個單車陣


租單車的服務站 (首半小時是免費的)


拍一拍卡就能租單車,多方便


看!單車都一掃而空了!


2008年6月19日 星期四

控告「時代廣場」暴露公共空間的更大失誤

在上月底的立會聽證會上,林鄭月娥局長失儀地指責社會人士對「偽公共空間」的投訴自從政府被揭發與發展商一起炮製了遍佈全港的「偽公共空間」後,不但遲遲未有公佈1997年前與發展商閉門私訂的「偽公共空間」清單,更拒絕制定一套清晰的「公眾使用權行使準則」,使市民無所適從,小業主更大呼寃屈。究竟政府有甚麼不能見光的秘密?


 


市民大眾越來越清楚政府未能維護公眾利益,政府終於在本週决定控告「時代廣場」違约獲取暴利,達十五年之久。但背後的問題還有更多更多………


 


請收聽我在618日 港台「自由風,自由Phone」的訪問 (下午5:40p.m.6p.m.),網址為:http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/radio1/openline_openview/20080618.html


2008年6月16日 星期一

香港【無國界工程師】成立 選定四川地震重建先導項目並展開募捐行動

感激「無國界工程師」一眾兄弟姊妹的努力及各界的支持,「無國界工程師」終於在昨天(15/6/08)正式就職。

以下是昨天的新聞稿:


在四川5.12大地震後一班熱心工程師發起的香港【無國界工程師】今天舉行成立典禮,並介紹【無國界工程師】的四川重建考察隊的考察成果及下一階段支援四川重建的先導項目。


獲推選為香港【無國界工程師】主席的黎廣德表示:「我們在四川大地震兩天後提出了【無國界工程師】的構思,在短短一個月內已經有超過1200名支持者,並有超過140多人正式加入了「人道工程師及專業人員名册」,遠超我們的預期。熱心伸出援手的不僅是工程師,還包括建築師、規劃師、測量師等,確證了香港專業人士的人道精神。我們希望把【無國界工程師】建設成為一個獨立的平台,讓香港專業人士在四川重建和在隣近地區的救援、減貧和發展工作盡一分力,體現香港作為一個富裕城市對國際社會的承擔。」


香港【無國界工程師】在 六月一日 己經派出一個四人工作隊*到四川和甘肅,剛剛完成了為期十天的初步評估工作。身兼規劃師和工程師的工作隊領隊吳永輝表示:「工作隊與「四川512民間救災行動」及多個官方和民間組織進行會議,亦走訪深受地震破壞的都江堰紫坪鋪鎮、彭州市的紅岩鎮和通濟鎮、北川縣擂鼓鎮茨溝村、廣元市、青村縣和甘肅省文縣等地。現時內政府及非政府組織,的確在臨時帳篷與食物的提供、醫療、災區兒童救濟等方面,都已經做了大量的工作。但下一階段的重建規劃如何能做到妥」,對於中央政府指示盡快完成規劃重建方案,及考慮現實環境挑戰的一個兩難。


經過評估後,香港【無國界工程師】已經初步選定了兩個資源特別困乏的災區進行先導項目。負責統籌該兩個項目的建築師梁燕玲表示:「我們選擇了甘肅文縣碧口鎮響浪村和都江堰紫坪鋪鎮進行整合支援的先導項目,希望整合各種專業提供的專長及資源,與當地夥伴合作進行較深入的規劃、重建和發展工作。支援的範圍可以包括調查研究、規劃、公共衛生、抗震房屋和校舍重建,以至可持續發展的技術支援。我們亦會考慮一些適當的項目作出不同程度的支援。我們會特別重視當地災民的全方位參與,將會採用「與民共建」作為【無國界工程師】的工作原則。」


除了先導項目外,香港【無國界工程師】正與多個本地民間團體協商,為它們即將進行的四川重建工作提供專業支援。香港樂施會已承諾為進入災區的專業人員提供人道救援所需的培訓課程,【無國界工程師】並已邀請得李焯芬 教授(中國工程院院士及香港大學副校長)亮 華飛 教授(香港大學建築學院院長及前美國普林斯頓大學建築學院院長)出任榮譽顧問。


為開展重建工作,香港【無國界工程師】發起募捐行動,初步籌款目標為五百萬元。樂意捐助的社會各界人士請登入香港【無國界工程師】新設網站 www.ewb.hk 瀏覽詳情或直接將抬頭【無國界工程師】的劃線支票寄往香港灣仔道13310A【無國界工程師】收。


以下是蘋果日報在2008年6月16日的有關的報導:


"四川大地震奪去數萬人的生命,摧毀災民的家園。逾140名工程師等專業人士昨日成立香港「無國界工程師」,希望協助當地災民重建家園。"


"無國界工程師主席黎廣德昨日出席成立儀式時說,四川大地震後他倡議成立的無國界工程師,短短一個月內有逾1,200名支持者,包括逾140名工程師、建築師、規劃師、測量師等,他們正式加入「人道工程師及專業人員名冊」。各人旨在發揮專業人道精神,建立一個獨立平台,為四川災區重建盡一分力。他表示,無國界工程師在災後曾派出四人工作隊評估部份災區情況,決定選擇都江堰紫坪鋪鎮提供支援先導項目。無國界工程師希望與當地合作夥伴,透過實地調查研究,在規劃、公共生、抗震房屋和校舍重建的工作,採取「與民共建」原則,達到可持續發展的技術支援原則。曾到災區視察的工程師蘇耀坤說,災區中不少沒有倒塌的學校只有橫樑完好無缺,不少支柱卻已損毀,這些樓房可以繼續保留,但需要進行支柱加固工程,無國界工程師其中一個重點,是協助這類建築物的加固工程。"


除此之外,有12份報章報導了有關的消息,包括香港商報 、星島日報 、明報、 文匯報、成報、大公報、 香港經濟日報、新報、 東方日報、 太陽報、都市日報,和am730。


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* 香港【無國界工程師】第一支四川考察隊成員包括:吳永輝(城市規劃師及GIS專家)、蘇耀坤(結構工程師)、林顯忠博士(結構工程師)、梁青平(公共衛生及人道救援工程師)


傳媒查詢:梁燕玲建築師 (91928012)


                  吳永輝規劃師 (92379718)


                  黎廣德工程師 (91256505)       







EWB Appeals for Donation To implement Pilot Projects in Sichuan

After the devastating earthquake in Sichuan on 12 May, a group of dedicated engineers and built environment professionals in Hong Kong has come to the forefront and grouped themselves together to form a new humanitarian services organization called Engineers Without Borders (EWB-HK). At its official launch today, the EWB-HK’s reconstruction assessment team reported on the results of its recent visits to Sichuan and announced the pilot projects it has devised for the next stage.


 


Ir Albert Lai Kwong Tak, the newly elected chairman of the EWB-HK, said, “The idea of the EWB-HK was born two days after the Earthquake. Within just about a month’s time, we have registered a total of more than 1,200 supporters. Over 140 professionals among them have formally put their name down on our Register of Humanitarian Engineers and Professionals. The response was more encouraging than we had expected, as not only engineers but also architects, planners and surveyors have joined the EWB-HK, testifying to the deep-rooted humanitarian spirit amongst the professionals in Hong Kong .  We hope EWB-HK can become an independent platform for Hong Kong professionals to contribute their skills and knowledge to the reconstruction work in Sichuan as well as in other neighbouring countries suffering from natural calamities, poverty and other developmental challenges. It is only through such humanitarian services that Hong Kong can live up to its name as an affluent city with a big heart for the international community.”


 


On 1 June, the EWB-HK sent a four-member team* to the Sichuan and Gansu Provinces , resulting in an initial assessment report on the ten-day trip. “Our team met up with the Sichuan 5.12 Civic Relief Action Group and various official and local organizations. We visited many badly stricken towns including Zipingpu of Dujiangyan City, Hongyan and Tongji of Pengzhou City, Cigou Village of Leigu Town in Beichuan County , Guangyuan City , Qingchuan County and Wenxian County of Gansu Province. Over this short period, government and non-government organizations in China have done a lot on the provision of temporary camps, food, medicine and children’s aid. The real challenge yet to come is reconstruction planning, which will be crucial for the next stage. The Central Government of China has voiced the need for a post-earthquake reconstruction plan as soon as possible, in order to stabilize the situation in the affected areas. But this demand posted a dilemma in view of the practical difficulties experienced on site,” according to team leader Mr Stanley Ng, a planner and engineer.


 


After the initial assessment, EWB-HK has identified two resource-stricken towns to implement its pilot projects.  Architect Ms Carol Leung, coordinator for these projects, explained the ways to operate. “We have chosen Xianglang Village of Bikou Town in Gansu Province and Zipingpu Town of Dujiangyan City in Sichuan Province for a comprehensive approach of our volunteer services. We hope to consolidate various types of expertise and resources available and work together with our local partners to more thoroughly accomplish our tasks in the planning, reconstruction and development work for those affected by earthquake.  Our support can be in the form of research analyses, planning, public health, earthquake-resistant housing, the rebuilding of school premises, as well as technology transfer for sustainable development.  We would attach special importance to local participation in all matters relating to the reconstruction work. ‘Rebuilding with the people’ is  one of EWB-HK’s guiding principles.”


 


On networking, the EWB-HK is also offering their professional support to several non-government organizations involved in relief work in Sichuan . Oxfam Hong Kong has pledged to organize training courses for members of the EWB-HK, equipping them with the necessary soft skills to carry out humanitarian work.  Professor C F Lee (Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Vice-President of the University of Hong Kong) and Professor Ralph Lerner (Dean of Faculty of Architecture of the University of Hong Kong and former Dean of Faculty of Architecture of Princeton University), have kindly consented to serve as Honorary Advisors of the EWB-HK.


 


To implement reconstruction in Sichuan , EWB-HK is appealing to the public for donations. The initial target is HK$5 million. Those interested in making a donation can find more details from the website at www.emb.hk. Donation cheques made payable to Engineers Without Borders can be sent to 10-A, Times Media Centre, 133 Wanchai Road , Wanchai, Hong Kong .


 


* EWB-HK’s first assessment team to Sichuan:


 


Mr Stanley Ng (urban planner and GIS specialist)


Ir Simon So (structural engineer)


Dr H C Lam (structural engineer)


Ir Leung Ching Ping (public health and disaster relief engineer)


 


Media Enquiries:


 


Ms Carol Leung (architect) --- 9192 8012


Mr Stanley Ng (urban planner) --- 9237 9718


Ir Albert Lai (engineer) --- 9125 6505







2008年6月13日 星期五

本星期日: 無國界工程師成立記者會



香港「無國界工程師」將於本星期日(615日)舉行成立典禮 ,我們誠邀各會員、友好及有興趣參與「無國界工程師」的朋友出席今次典禮。屆時我們亦將介紹我們第一支四川重建考察隊的考察成果及下一階段 支援四川重建的重點項目。

日期:六月十五日 (星期日)
時間:下午3:00 - 4:00
地點:香港灣仔軒尼詩道15號溫莎公爵社會服務大廈四樓

我們很榮幸得到中國工程院院士李焯芬教授出任名譽顧問。 出席者亦包括考察隊成員吳永輝 、蘇耀坤及各理事會成員。


梁青平救援重建三十年


這是文匯報對我們「無國界工程師」的核心人物梁青平的報導(6月11日)。 怎能不為青平大聲喝采?


~~~~~~


梁青平救援重建三十年


梁青平是誰?如果不是上個月中香港民間幾位專業人士自發組成「無國界工程師」支援四川災區,不會知道他原來在世界各地做救援重建長達近三十年; 他的專業是土木工程,但無法忍受朝九晚五,畫圖計數的政府工;他27歲開始他的援助事業,第一次去了贊比亞,一住五年,竟捨不得回來; 他到過伊拉克,6月的夜晚,氣溫高達 47攝氏度,熱過非洲; 貧窮、天災和戰亂,他見得太多。為了適應當地生活,保持內心安定,他對自己說,那裏的人都能繼續生活,我為什麼不可以?


約好在梁青平位於廣州的公司做採訪,正逢他剛收到通知,第二日便要動身赴四川災區,令我們的見面有些緊迫。這是一個普通居民社區的一個普通單位,進門之後,只見客廳被一排竹牆一分為二,周圍還擺有竹架竹桌和竹椅,不是青綠,全是老黃,有幾分粗獷之氣。「這些是我自己找來老竹子請人做的,我喜歡竹。」說此話時,這位身卡琪色工裝短袖襯衫,身材敦實,皮膚黝黑的主人家露出有些靦腆的笑容,但毫不掩其所具有的探險隊隊長般的精幹和活力。


雖然是自己開公司了,做的還是和救援有關—主要設計、製造和銷售援助器材和設備。談起這次四川大地震的重建,梁青平有他自己的判斷,但也有些擔憂:「現在的觀念已和過去不同了,80年代初時,每逢大型災難都是醫生先行,但後來發現,很多醫療問題其實是由其他方面的原因造成,比如缺水,缺食物,缺住所等導致生病。這個時候就需要不同領域的專家、工程師共同協助。我這次的身份是『公共衛生工程師』(Public Health Engineer),災區的淨水、沐浴、廁所、洗衣等都屬於公共衛生的範圍內。」


「『無國界工程師』的組織者希望我能帶一些救援設備去四川做示範。這些設備不是我隨便挑出來的,比如供水架、簡易廁所等,它們都經過了很多年救援工作的檢驗。但我現在的問題,是要盡快找到對口單位,以及和他們做有效的溝通。我不能光和人家講理論和技術,因為一些如淨水系統、蓄水庫等大型設備需要特別定制和購買,時間拖不起。」 

梁青平香港出生,在英國完成本科學業,修讀土木工程。24歲的畢業生初涉社會,「感覺卻是什麼都不會做。」入了英國的政府機構—水木署,從基層幹起,三年後升做工程師,進入社會主流,卻開始厭倦。「我是野性不羈的,坐不定。」正巧看到英國海外發展局招募援助贊比亞的工程師廣告,想既能去非洲玩,還能拿資助,便試申請。9個月後,才收到一封信,叫他立即去申請簽證。


1979年,梁青平第一次走進非洲,對環境轉變不太適應。「開始,連人都區別不出來,覺得各個長得都差不多。」見到總管,給他介紹完非洲地理情況,指地圖上南部的一個省說,「這就是你要去的地方。」原來,是讓他做統管一省的水木總工程師,手下有近300人。「我又沒經驗又沒資歷。但人呢,被逼到一定地步,可以發揮潛能。」 除了處理自己的本行,如掘井、尋找合適的地點建小型水壩等,與政府協調和管理工作是對他最大的挑戰。「當時的贊比亞政府特別貧困,我遞交給他們一個預算案,要等大半年才能有結果。」


「最不愉快的經歷,曾碰到手下人故意搗亂,認為我要求太嚴,想趕我下台。而我的上司遠在幾千里之外,根本幫不到我。」 即便如此,梁青平喜歡那裡簡單的生活。「雖然物資缺乏,但當地人照樣娛樂照樣笑,我也可以。」他呆了五年,中間只回了 一兩 趟家。 

梁青平1986年加入英國樂施會,才開始體會到了最大限度的自由。那一年是埃塞俄比亞大饑荒引發蘇丹難民潮的第二年,他被派往蘇丹,獨自一人負責7個難民營共30多萬人的公共衛生建設。「總部只給我1個星期的時間完成工作交接,除了重新評估難民營的供水設備,安排儀器維修,還要做預算,和政府機構周旋等。」難民營之間,通常都相距很遠,從一處去另一處巡查,開車來回要一日。「但是,我也得到了最高的自由度,很多決策、資金安排,自己都能立刻定下來。」後來,他隨英國樂施會到訪許多中東和其他東南亞國家,至今印象最深刻的,是伊拉克。 2003年,伊拉克戰爭剛剛結束一個月,梁青平參加了英國樂施會的短期救援工作。那裡的生存狀況令他無比震驚。


「表面上看,房屋的破壞程度不是很大,但仔細勘察,會發現當地的衛生條件差到難以想像。由於城中的污水處理系統多年失修,加上炮火轟炸,不少居民就住在糞便滿溢的污水排放的下游地區,孩子和大人們都要跳腳才能進家門。遍地寸草不生,又乾又熱,雨季過後,低窪地帶變成小水塘,滋生大量的蚊蟲。」


「當地人的健康狀況雖不見得特別差,但這種生活條件非常讓人擔憂。其實我們可以做的事情很多,但總部說,你們是去救援的,不是去搞重建和發展。其實,不改善設施,哪能做什麼救援?」

梁青平從來都是自己煮飯,一是因為口味,二是因為衛生。他很少生病,1992年的春節,他卻因為查出肝有異常,在醫院住了2、3個月。病癒之後,又重新上路,前往支援令外界人「聞風喪膽」的索馬里。 「索馬里人以『襲擊』為榮。當時美軍撤離之後,那裡基本上就處於無政府狀態。很多救援組織都曾遭遇過不止一次的打劫。我在的團隊卻一次也沒有。為什麼?因為我有生死之交,在我有危險的時候,我相信他們一定會來幫我,而我也會為他們的兩插刀。」他所指的,就是索馬里人。「雖然我不認同他們的所作所為,但我發現,其實和平藏在每個人的心裡。」


梁青平組織工程隊伍修水利時,經常有荷槍實彈的軍隊組織在身後監視,「我就認真做給他們看,我們是在幫助他們,改善環境建立和平。」還有一次,一枚自製手榴彈在他家廁所的外牆爆炸。「很明顯他們不是要傷人,只是想騷擾一下我們這些外國人,以表達他們對一些資源分配的不滿。這是很典型的索馬里人的做法,我並不害怕。」記者也相信,梁青平當時一定和現在的憶述狀態一樣冷靜。


梁青平曾應承過 太太,有了孩子便不再滿世界亂跑。然而他的腳步並未停止,只不過「現在參加的項目都是短期,有時候還把他們都帶上。」但仍無法避免親人之間的感情疏離。現在他的家人都遠在國外,「沒法,我這個人只有在那種原始的無拘無束的環境裡生活才能感到自在。」說完,這位五十幾歲的漢子第一次露出了無奈又憂鬱的神情。


2008年6月8日 星期日

無國界工程師四川考察報告暨委員會就職 (6月7日)


(Engineers Without Borders-HK: Sichuan Visit Report Meeting & Committee Inauguration on 7 June 2008)


昨天,「無國界工程師」的考察團代表,從四川回港後向成員作工作匯報,以助大家開展下一步支援工作。為提昇工作效率與力度,我們亦進行了委員會選舉與就職禮,很榮幸獲大家一致通過選為主席,我必定會與一眾「無國界工程師」兄弟姊妹,繼續努力工作,祈能不負所託,長遠幫助受災人民好好地生活下去。


詳情見Facebook Group: Join Engineers Without Borders-HK 's Facebook Group to get the latest news of EWB-hk: http://www.facebook.com/group .php?gid=18710706387


種瓜得瓜 種豆得豆


我在六月五日世界環境日,參加了長沙灣天主教善導小學「小太陽環保教育中心祝聖禮」暨「環保先鋒嘉許禮」。很榮幸,這是我第三年獲邀作為這活動的主禮嘉賓,見證了這間小學從竪立第一塊太陽能吸熱板開始,到今日天臺上種滿了翠瓜、青瓜、南瓜、番茄、豆角、香草等林林種種的有機植物。從校長、老師、家長到學生的堅持,還有小孩子的興奮笑臉,實在令人動容。「種瓜得瓜種豆得豆」的親身體驗,不是對小孩子最珍貴的教育嗎?


校監劉富根神父非常熱情,在短短兩個小時的儀式中與我談得很多。他憂心的不僅是環境惡化和現行教育政策的諸多盲點,更關心副局長用人唯親、四川天災揭示的人禍、管治質素每下愈況等等,充份顯示出一位知識份子民胞物與的胸懷,令我想起這一副對聯:


風聲、雨聲、讀書聲,聲聲入


家事、國事、天下事事事關心


2008年6月6日 星期五

Gas Mask and Engineers as Enablers

Letter 5/ 12


                                                                                                                          5 June 2008


Dear Fellow Engineers,


Gas Mask and Engineers as Enablers


As you may know, today---- June 5 --- is the World Environment Day.  Thirty years ago on this very day, when I just completed my first year of studies in engineering at the University of Hong Kong, I went along with several fellow members of the Conservancy Association to the Tsimshatsui Ferry.  We stood right in front of the famous Ferry flagstaff; each of us took out a gas mask from our backpack and started to put the mask on our face. Our intention was to demonstrate to the public that air pollution was a health hazard that must be addressed. Nevertheless, even before we could take out our cameras, a police sergeant was heading straight towards us.  At a faraway corner, an expatriate police superintendent was watching us with a fierce look.


Ten minutes later, I found myself inside the Police Station at the nearby Tsimshatsui Hill for interrogation.  The “funny” thing, however, was that even the police inspector on duty that day could not understand why wearing a gas mask could justify a police interrogation.  Anyway, this was my very first time to set foot in a police station.


From then on, however, I reaffirm my belief in the role of engineers in face of challenges, which is to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.


Another remarkable incident I have experienced is that of the Long Valley saga six years ago.   If you take a ride on the Lok Ma Chau Line of the East Rail towards Shenzhen, you can be forgiven for missing the fact that you are actually cutting across the largest freshwater wetland in Hong Kong.  This wetland is home to more than 200 species of birds.   A handful of decision-makers in the then KCRC top management insisted that the new railway should be built above the Wetland, creating a seemingly unavoidable clash between ‘conservation’ and ‘development’.  The deadlock seemed unbreakable and a legal battle broke out between the KCRC and the Director of Environmental Protection.


At last, engineers came to the rescue.  The design of the railway line was revamped.  A 3.2 km tunnel design was adopted instead and a freezing-ground method was employed for tunnel excavation to guard against the loss of groundwater table.  The result was a double-win for both conservation and development: Hong Kong got an international applause in wetland conservation; the cross-border traffic jam was eased. Though the total project cost rose from $8 billion to $10 billion, it was generally considered good value for money by the community. The engineering industry got the direct benefits.


Engineers are enablers of solutions that transcend conflicts, hence demonstrating the power of engineering.


Another recent case was the development of the Centennial Campus by the University of Hong Kong two years ago.  The site was located on a narrow and steep slope, covering three waterworks buildings, which were classified as heritage.  A veteran architect overseeing the project told me, “This is the toughest project I have ever come across.  We must not reduce the gross floor areas; we must not increase the building heights for fear of blocking the views of local residents; and we must not interrupt water supply from the   service reservoirs.  How can we go ahead without sacrificing one or two heritage buildings?”


After several rounds of meetings, I, together with another engineer insisted on an on-site visit with the university management, project architects and engineers from the Water Supplies Department, with a view to finding solutions that can harmonise development with conservation.


Again, engineers came to the rescue.  The service reservoir was relocated to a man-made tunnel. The Water Supplies Department adjusted certain technical specifications and the layout of the buildings was revamped.  At the end, all three historic buildings are to be conserved. Amongst them, the Elliot Treatment Works Building will likely become the first industrial monument open to the public in Hong Kong.


Once again, this is the power of engineering.


Some people like to spread these words, “Conservation destroys engineering; and it stops the world from spinning.”   It is hard to believe that any engineer living in the 21st century would not treat this as a joke.  Those who spread this kind of views would only show their ignorance about the power of engineering.


Next time when you hear words like these, you may invite the person to read carefully the speech of our Chief Executive Donald Tsang delivered at the Boao Asian Forum earlier this year, “The green agenda is no longer something that is imported or foisted upon Asian countries or cities. It is an essential element in the ongoing success of cities such as Hong Kong…….”*


The gas mask thirty years ago has always acted as a timely reminder: engineers can excel as enablers: rise above conflicts, forge consensus and create new opportunities.  This is what the engineering profession is good at, and what engineers can be proud of.**


Yours truly,


Ir Albert Lai


* The speech: www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/12/P200804120137.htm


** Engineers Without Borders (HK) News: http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/albertlai-hk/


Long Valley wetland preserved by engineers: more idle fields changed to wetland and organic farming was introduced.


Engineers as Enablers: after the conflict was resolved, local villagers were trained as eco-tour guides so that more income could flow to the indigenous people.


防毒面具與「造就者」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 【之五】


各位工程師朋友:


三十年前的今天六月五日世界環境日剛在港大工程系念完第一年的我,與幾位長春社成員一起跑到尖沙咀天星碼頭旗杆前,為了向公眾揭示空氣污染的禍害,我們從背包拿出防毒面具,戴在臉上; 還未來得及拿出照相機,便已經有一位沙展跑過來,遠處是一位虎視眈眈的外籍警司。


十分鐘後,我已經身處尖沙咀山的警署內接受問話,雖然連坐堂警長也不明白為甚麼戴上防毒面具會構成被查問的理由。這是我生平頭一遭踏進警署。


從那天起,我確認了工程師在面對挑戰時的角色:成為「造就者」(enablers),提出聰明的答案,而非製造危機與問題。


另一個印象深刻的事件是六年前的塱原支綫。若果您今天乘搭東鐵落馬洲支綫過境,您難以想像已經穿過了全港最大的淡水濕地,穿過了二百多種雀鳥的棲息之所。當時九鐵的少數高層堅持要在塱原地面興建支綫,硬要將「發展」與「破壞環境」畫上等號,勢成騎虎,似乎總有一方要被犧牲,還引發了鐵路公司與環保署長對壘的法律訴訟。


最後,工程師出手了。修改設計,興建一條3.2公里長的隧道,在施工期間採用凍土開挖技術防止地下水位沉降,贏得了國際上成功保育濕地生態的美譽,亦同時贏得了促進發展、解決過境擠塞的成就。工程投資額從八十億元增加到一百億元,社會輿論認為物有所值,而工程界更直接受益。


這正好顯示工程的力量:工程師作為「造就者」,提供超越矛盾的答案!


另一個更近期的例子,是兩年前香港大學需要擴建「百周年校園」,但它位處西半山地形狹窄的斜坡上,兼且覆蓋三幢獲得古蹟評級的水務歷史建築。當時一位主管的資深建築師對我說:「這是我碰到最頭痛的項目:不能減少樓面面積,不能加高妨礙景觀,亦不能中斷水務署配水庫的食水供應;不犧牲一、兩幢歷史古蹟怎麼行?


經過反覆討論,我和另一位工程師堅持邀請大學主管、項目建築師和水務署工程師一起到現場考察,以結合發展和保育為目標,再一次請建築工程顧問推敲不同方案。


最後,工程師出手了。配水庫移入人工山洞內,水務署更新了相關的技術標準,建築物重新佈局,三幢歷史建築均得以保留,而其中一幢西區濾水廠房更有望成為全港第一座正式開放的「工業文物」。


又一次顯示了工程的力量。


有人喜歡散佈言論,說甚麼「環保妨礙工程,阻住地球轉」。很難相信,哪一位活在二十一世紀的工程師能夠不把這種言論當作笑話? 說這種話的人是在漠視工程的力量。


下一次您再聽到這種言論,不妨請他細讀曾特首在博鰲亞洲論壇的演詞:「環境保護不再是從外國輸入或強加於亞洲國家和城市的議題…… 環境保護是保持繁榮興旺的成功要素。」*


三十年前的防毒面具讓我時刻警惕:工程師做好「造就者」的角色 (engineers as enablers),超越矛盾,團結社群,創造新機遇,正是工程界的專長,更是工程師的驕傲。**


黎廣德  工程師


200865

* 曾特首演詞全文:www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/12/P200804120137.htm


** 有關「無國界工程師」在四川工作的最新消息或加入「人道工程師名冊」,請登入 http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/albertlai-hk/



在工程師努力下得以保留的塱原濕地:農民將荒地變為濕地 ,並推行有機耕種。


工程師成為「造就者」:化解矛盾後環保團體培訓塱原當地村民充當生 態導賞員,增加本地人收入。



 


2008年6月4日 星期三

「無國界工程師」工作匯報: 6月3日


「無國界工程師」成員今日到了彭州市的紅岩鎮和通濟鎮,兩個地方都是今次地 震的重災區。紅岩鎮的受災人數約16,500人,倒塌樓房達95%以上,當地的救援組織已興建臨時的板間房供災民暫居。紅岩鎮有一家中學和小學,現在都已變成危樓。紅岩初級中學700名倖存學生,在志願組織和政府的協助下,獲得300張桌椅,並將於明天復課。其餘400張桌椅,尚待籌募數萬元始可購買;老師們表示學校還需20台電腦供教學之用。至於紅岩小學,已變成危樓並無法復課。「無國界工程師」將堪測樓宇結構並提供重建意見。

第二站是通濟鎮,全鎮31,000人口全部受災,倒塌樓房佔99% ,是地震的重災區之一。由於水喉切斷,災民須依靠地下水維生,但地下水已受污染,以至災民易受大腸桿菌感染,嚴重的污水問題尚待處理。通濟小學的師生已獲安排至臨時校舍; 原來的校舍已成危樓,須拆卸重建,而老師們則暫住帳蓬中。通濟鎮的水源嚴重不足,災民須打井取水,幸而仍有電力供應。


明天「無國界工程師」將到北川縣擂鼓鎮中心小學,堪測當地建築物的情況。


2008年6月3日 星期二

「無國界工程師」四川開展工作:6月2日匯報!

「無國界工程師」今天跟成都市科技協會的負責人會面 ,了解成都兩個重災區紅岩鎮和通濟鎮的情況。成都市科技協會是一 家半官方組織,被委派負責這兩個重災區的重建工作。

「無國界工程師」一行人下午隨國際小母牛組織,到都江堰的紫坪鋪鄉 ,了解當地災情。由於地震災區範圍極廣 ,部分受災較大的地區或獲得較佳支援,但一些偏遠地區或中小鄉 鎮卻缺乏省政府支援,故我們亦同時前往 該等中小鄉鎮,評估當地建築物損毀的情況。

至今,內地科委正評估受影響地區那些是屬於災後禁建區 ,那些地區的災民可以原區安置,那些須整體搬遷等 ;他們對於「無國界工程師」建議的建築物結構工程及提供旱廁等設備 ,均表示歡迎,認為前者有助確保建築物的安全及防震等規格 ,後者則有助應付災區急須解決的衞生問題。

紫坪鋪鄉共有三棟學校,由於都是新落成的建築,幸沒倒下 ,也沒有學生傷亡,只是其中一棟樓的結構出現問題 。「無國界工程師」已建議學生及災民不要進入該區; 至於倖存的學生 ,現都暫住帳蓬中。

成都地區的市面普遍平靜,而除了四川省,「無國界工程師」的成員正考慮前赴 較少人注意的甘肅省,視察災區情況。據當地組織提供的資 料,甘肅省部分地區的災民正面臨缺糧的危機。



自由亞洲電台介紹「無國界工程師」

日前到自由亞洲電台「夫子」劉銳紹主持的中國與世界」,介紹「無國界工程師」的工作。夫子說有七千萬珠江三角洲的同胞 都能聽到自由亞洲電台的廣播,那麼我期盼他們聽到此節目後 ,能得到一點鼓舞、一點希望,甚至會加入我們的人道支援行列 ,共建一個有愛心有公義的國家。


收聽節目: http://www.rfa.org/cantonese /features/talkshow_lau/earthqua ke-05292008114306.html/story _main?encoding=traditional


The Enabling Role of Engineers in Sustainable Development



The Enabling Role of Engineers


in Sustainable Development


 


Keynote Speech by Ir Albert Lai,


Chairman of The Professional Commons


at the 9th International Symposium on Environmental Geotechnology


and Sustainable Development


 2 June 2008, Hong Kong


Ladies and Gentlemen:


I am honoured today to be invited by the organisers to address such a distinguished audience of engineers and scientists. My task today is to explore the role of engineers in perhaps the greatest challenge to the human race today – the pursuit for sustainable development.


Ever since the concept of sustainable development was raised in the Bruntland Report in 1987, and endorsed by the international community in the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, it has gone down an undulating path. The goals of protecting our environment and achieving social justice through smart economic development seem as remote as ever.


Take the challenge of climate change. When I led the Hong Kong NGO delegation to the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali last December, we had high hopes on an international consensus. We were hoping that governments from developed and developing countries alike would at last be forced to agree on the way forward, riding on the waves of worldwide public support and the overwhelming scientific evidence on the looming crisis. Instead, after the US delegate was told by the audience to move aside in the final hours, the Conference only managed to agree to more talks. The best hope now lies with another conference in Copenhagen next year. The talk shop shall be moving from the heat in the tropics to the freezing cold in the Nordic. Who knows whether this will improve the chance for a consensus?


What about the other sustainability challenge – the question of social justice? The World Bank estimated that the recent food crisis has just thrown another 100 million people worldwide into starvation over the last six months. Today, as in every other day, 25,000 people died because of food shortage, including many children. In Hong Kong, the number of visitors to a charity-run food bank went up many times. Yet we are throwing 3000 tonnes per day of unused food into the landfills. In the United States, a quarter of all food products are thrown into waste bins everyday.


The scale of the sustainability challenge is huge. Can engineers help?


Yes, I believe engineers can and should play a crucial role – enabling solutions to be found and implemented in answer to the global sustainability challenge.


The Power of Engineering


In response to the challenge, we are never short of people who offer problem-solving ideas. Scientists, lawyers, businessmen, politicians and policy-makers alike are never shy of offering ideas. Yet it is engineers who enable ideas to be turned into reality.


In the words of Lord Browne, the President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, U.K., “The hinge between an idea and the realization of that idea in practice. That is the power of engineering.”


Those who have travelled by train to Shenzhen recently may have used the Long Valley spur line. You can be forgiven for not realising that this 7.4 km-long spur line actually cuts across the largest freshwater wetland in Hong Kong – a haven for 210 species of birds. Six years ago, this project became a major battle between green groups and the railway developer. At that time, there seemed to be an unavoidable clash between infrastructure development and nature conservation. Either one had to be sacrificed.


Engineers came to the rescue. Instead of building a surface rail line, a 3.2 km tunnel was drilled underneath the wetland. Moreover, to prevent groundwater loss, a ground-freezing method and a computer-controlled mechanical excavation machine were deployed to safeguard the wetland. An extra HK$2 billion was added to the original HK$8 billion engineering bill. Yet neither conservation nor development was compromised. The power of engineering.


The enabling role of engineers can go further. We are the profession which best understands the complexities and fine details of each project. We know the constraints we face, and the opportunities each project may present. Armed with this knowledge, we are the vital link between what the community wishes to see happen, and what any investment may deliver. In essence, engineers can enable community values be articulated into public policies or market decisions.


An Enabler of Community Values


About a year ago, I started to get involved in the Central Kowloon Route Project, which involves the construction of a much-needed highway linking the east and the west across the most congested part of the Kowloon peninsula.  At that time, the project was facing a risk of deadlock because the government proposal included a plan to demolish part of the Yaumatei Police Station heritage complex, which aroused major concern among the public and many Legislative Council 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 Yaumatei 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 Yaumatei 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.


As of today, engineers managed to incorporate the community's aspirations and came up with a new plan -  enabling the highway to be built as a tunnel, reducing noise pollution, opening up new ground-level areas as public open space and a new site for a popular jade market, relocating community facilities into the underground space made available from tunnel building, and most importantly, improving the welfare of the many disadvantaged groups in the neighbourhood. Again, the enabling role of engineers.


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 Government's official exhibition was largely focused on how public participation could make development more balanced and more suited to local needs.


The New Agenda


To consolidate engineers' enabling role in sustainable development, I believe we should embrace a new agenda.


1. To lead: engineers can take the lead in institutionalising an appropriate public engagement mechanism and a corresponding policy framework. Engineers will become facilitators of multi-stakeholder debate, decoders of technical information, and articulators of public interest.


2. To innovate: a new vision for sustainable communities demands new solutions, and hence innovations from engineers are in ever higher demand. In turn, this will open up new development opportunities for the engineering profession.


3. To expand: new engineering solutions can only be delivered effectively and efficiently in a complementary policy framework. Hence, engineers must expand their horizon and sphere of influence into higher levels of public policy making, and not limit themselves to technical details.


4. To collaborate: the practice of sustainable development worldwide has demonstrated one simple truth: sustainability can only be achieved, whether at a local or global level, only if partnerships can be nurtured among government, business and the civil society. Engineers can play an essential role to encourage collaboration among key stakeholders.


Movers and Shakers


About two weeks ago, in response to the Sichuan earthquake, I sent an emergency appeal message to Hong Kong engineers. I raised the idea for the set-up of a new body, “Engineers Without Borders” in Hong Kong. In a period of 48 hours, I received numerous responses, including a call from a Hong Kong engineer in Sydney who has helped set up the New South Wales branch of EWB, Australia; another call from a female engineer from Beijing who is helping Sowers Action, a local charity to build rural school in Mainland China; and another message from an earthquake engineer who had experience in working with EWB Germany. I was so overwhelmed by the response that I felt obliged to organise the first preparatory meeting on a Sunday afternoon four days after my appeal message.


Engineers are often perceived as practical and rational to the point that they become quite boring – not necessarily the most attractive lot to the opposite sex. Yet most people unfamiliar with the profession miss the point. Engineers have passion. Engineers have the passion to deliver solutions; the passion to enable the world be changed to a better, more equitable place to live in. That is sustainable development.


If you want to change the world, be an engineer*.


Ir Albert Lai


2 June 2008


*Lord Browne, “The Power of Engineering”, The Royal Academy of Engineering Hinton Lecture, 12 December 2005


2008年6月2日 星期一

「無國界工程師」已抵四川開展工作!


經過兩星期的努力,「無國界工程師」團隊終於抵達四川,開展人道專業支援工作。剛收到隊員的電郵,對我們留守香港工作的一眾「無國界工程師」成員來說,實在是極大的鼓舞! 願兄弟們工作順利、一切平安。


電郵如下:


「今天我們4位無國界工程師成員,蘇耀坤(結構工程師)、梁青平(公共衛生及人道救援工程師)、吳永輝(城市規劃師及GIS專家)、林顯忠博士(結構工程專家),與曙光慈善基金會何愛華主席一行在成都與『四川512民間救災行動』的多位負責人召開會議 。他們介紹了災情的最新情況,目前成都相對平靜,市面情況正常。

今天下午收到消息說有直昇機失去聯絡,及部份學校仍然無法復課, 部份老師仍然沒有臨時居所。由於天氣開始炎熱,怕有公共衛生問題 ,因此他們對我方提出的旱廁很有興趣,亦會安排倉庫接收。另外,雖然中央政府已經指示要盡快完成重建規劃方案,但於土石流 、地形大幅移位、地貌變更等,令舊的地形圖、水文圖則等基礎底圖都出 現問題,倍增困難。明天早上已安排與多位四川的本地工程師會面,相信更能了解專業上 的情況、困難和需求。明天下午會與『小母牛』往都江堰,開始進入災區。我們身體都很好,情緒高昂,請轉告大家不用擔心。
--
吳永輝(香港無國界工程師61工作組聯絡人)