COUNCIL —————————一九八九年七月十九日
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE
香港立法局
19 July 1989
89
Water Pollution Control Ordinance, Air Pollution Ordinance and the Noise Control Ordinance are all measures to meet these initiatives. However, we have to see how they are enforced.
Lastly, there must be large-scale investments in waste disposal facilities. Of the $20 billion to be spent over the next 10 years, $12 billion will be for sewerage and drains and $5 billion for landfills and transfer stations. This does not leave much for air and noise pollution. The sting is that the polluters will have to pay.
Pollution perception
Hong Kong needs a new perception on pollution which is not just an extension of the "Keep Hong Kong Clean" campaign. It is not enough to recognize our pollution problems; but continue to bury the waste. We must see how the problems will develop with our increasing affluence and accept a greater degree of control and higher costs that will be necessary to clean up our Hong Kong home.
As Hong Kong people make their daily advancement, their clamour for an improved environment will grow. It is not enough that people pitch in with their litter only. Their perception must increasingly be based on "what is essential to maintain a healthy way of life" as opposed to remedial measures used to attempt to clear up the mess.
It is not enough that Hong Kong alone tackles pollution. The tall chimneys of our power stations and industries are designed to carry the pollution far away. Similarly, the pollutions from China and Macau can affect us. We must all co- operate to defeat pollution.
I shall address two issues management of waste and enforcement and compliance. Eighteen other Members will address different aspects of the White Paper and I trust that all Members speaking will be sparing with their time.
Waste management
We produce some 16 000 tonnes of solid waste everyday. Of this, 3 000 tonnes actually get separated and recycled. A considerable amount is dumped, untreated in our landfills. This is like sweeping the dust under the carpet.
Paragraph 2.35 is the key to the whole problem. I quote "The Government therefore intends to examine more fully measures to limit the amount of waste generated, and to encourage the recovery and recycling of wastes. The prime