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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. LI YIU BOR asked the following question :—
"In view of the fact that the Repulse Bay beach is very much used by the swimming public, will the Chairman consider taking immediate steps to have removed whenever and wherever possible during the summer months the stones and shells from the foreshore section of the beach ?"
THE CHAIRMAN tabled the following written reply:-
During March this year, 65 men were employed daily in collecting and removing stones from Urban Council beaches in preparation for the opening of the swimming season, and the results were very satisfactory. Of these, 36 men were working at Repulse Bay.
At the moment the majority of stones to be seen at Repulse Bay are those surrounding and in front of the three nullah outlets. These are retained on the advice of the Director of Public Works, first to provide a foundation for the nullah bed, and secondly to provide a water break to disperse the flow during heavy rains and thus prevent sand being washed away.
But I must point out that past experience has shown that stones and pebbles in large quantities can appear overnight on Hong Kong beaches as the result of wind, tides and heavy rains. Temporary sand erosion is common and the slightest loss exposes stones until the beach recovers again.
The ridges of shells and shingle that are formed at tide marks are regarded as a valuable guard against sand erosion and it is inadvisable in the interests of the beach to have them removed.
MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question :
"Since Repulse Bay is advertised abroad as one of Hong Kong's main tourist attractions, would the Chairman consider in what manner the general appearance of the areas adjoining the beach at Repulse Bay might be improved by planting more trees, flowers, grass, shrubs, etc.?”
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THE CHAIRMAN tabled the following written reply :-
"A programme of tree-planting at public beaches is already under way, and a considerable number of trees will be planted this summer at Repulse Bay. It will be appreciated that much of the land adjoining the beach at Repulse Bay is in private ownership and the appropriate Select Committee will be invited to consider an approach to owners along the lines contained in your question."
MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question
"Many resettlement estate residents in the Shek Kip Mei estates have complained that the latrines on the upper storeys are not being flushed properly due to a defect in the pumping system; would the Commissioner for Resettlement advise what action is being taken, and how soon can the situation be remedied ?"
THE CHAIRMAN tabled the following written reply by the Commissioner for Resettlement :-
"The reason for the inadequate supply of flushing water at Shek Kip Mei was being investigated by the Water Works Office when the recent heavy rains started. These caused considerable damage to the pipes running from the sea water pumping station on the Cheungshawan reclamation up to the storage tank which is situated just above the point where the Taipo Road was washed away. The Public Works Department is now carrying out the necessary repairs which will be completed as soon as possible."
MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question :-
"Will the Chairman inquire from Government whether the Urban Council will be responsible for looking after the City Hall after it has been completed ?”
THE CHAIRMAN tabled the following written reply:—
"I am informed by Government that no final decision on responsibility for the management of the City Hall has yet been taken, but that consideration will be given in due course to the appropriateness of allocating some or all of the supervisory functions to the Council."
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