【明報專訊】FOLLOWING a succession of lift incidents in recent months, the government is considering short-, medium- and long-term improvement measures which include setting up a fund to subsidise flat owners to replace lift components. Lift ageing is a serious problem in Hong Kong. The government should make it mandatory that all lifts meet the latest safety standards, but it is also the flat owners' own responsibility to have their lifts properly maintained. If some flat owners of old buildings have financial difficulty, the government should of course lend a helping hand. If the owners have the financial means, there is no reason why the government should pay the maintenance fee on behalf of them. The government should improve lift safety, but it should also ensure public money is used properly, fairly and justly.