Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip today visited the Architectural Services Department to learn more about the construction progress of its anti-epidemic projects.

Mr Nip met Director of Architectural Services Sylvia Lam and the directorate staff for an update on the department's various areas of work and the challenges it faces.

He then met colleagues of different branches to learn about their work, including project management, architectural design and property services.

The department is planning various government office building projects, including the Kwun Tong Composite Development Project. Apart from the Civil Service College, the project will provide community facilities for Kwun Tong residents.

He learnt that the department has been using building information modelling technology in various projects to enhance the design, construction, project management and asset management efficiency, and was pleased to know that many of the projects had been awarded overseas and local design awards.

Mr Nip was then briefed on projects to combat the epidemic, such as the construction of a community treatment facility and temporary hospital at AsiaWorld-Expo as well as quarantine camps in different locations.

The project teams adopted various innovative techniques, such as the modular integrated construction method to substantially reduce the construction time. The department also carries out conversion of existing buildings for quarantine purposes and preventive inspections of drainage systems for existing government buildings.

Mr Nip concluded the visit by meeting staff representatives of various grades and thanked them for their contribution in fighting the epidemic.

He praised them for upholding their professionalism in carrying out the projects despite time constraints so that anti-epidemic facilities could be completed as soon as possible.