The Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works is responsible for the delivery of public works projects in a cost-effective manner and the formulation of policies on slope safety, water supply, flood control and construction site safety. The Secretary also oversees, and has policy responsibility for the activities of the six Works Departments — Architectural Services Department, Civil Engineering and Development Department (formed on July 1 upon the amalgamation of the former Civil Engineering Department and the former Territory Development Department), Drainage Services Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Highways Department, and Water Supplies Department. In addition, the Secretary oversees the operation of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund.

The Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, supported by the Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Planning and Lands), oversees the operation of four departments: Buildings Department, Lands Department, Planning Department and Land Registry. He also oversees part of the work of the Civil Engineering and Development Department and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.

The Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Planning and Lands) is chairman of both the Committee on Planning and Land Development (CPLD) and the Town Planning Board (TPB). The CPLD is responsible for considering and endorsing land use plans and major development proposals. The TPB is a statutory body, established under the Town Planning Ordinance, responsible for making town plans, and considering planning applications for individual projects in Hong Kong.