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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
(a) A sports complex with—
(i) a full size 100 m × 64 m grass infield football pitch;
(ii) an 8-lane 400 m all-weather running track;
(iii) facilities for field events, such as high jump, long jump, pole vault, javelin, discus, hammer and shot put etc.;
(iv) a covered spectator stand to accommodate 1,500 persons;
(v) changing facilities (under the spectator stand); and
(vi) a light refreshment kiosk;
(b) An indoor games hall with—
(i) 3 air-conditioned squash courts;
(ii) 1 ball-games arena of about 1,400 m2 (suitable for badminton, volleyball and basketball games);
(iii) 1 air-conditioned games room for table tennis; and
(iv) spectator and changing facilities;
(c) One hard-surfaced mini-soccer pitch;
(d) Two basketball-cum-volleyball courts;
(e) A landscaped garden;
(f) A children's playground.
MR. YOUNG (in English): Mr. Chairman, in view of the size of the population in Kwun Tong, and this being a full-size football pitch, if we use natural grass, it can only be used for a hundred times a year at the most. Could the Council consider building this one as an artificial turf pitch from the beginning so that usage can be tripled or even quadrupled?
MR. LO (in English): This could certainly be considered, Mr. Chairman. But I must point out that it will be very much more expensive.
MRS. CHOW (in English): Mr. Chairman, in planning the facilities listed by Mr. Lo, has the existing facilities in the district been taken into consideration and also will the district board be consulted on the grounds layout plan before it is being put to the Council?
MR. LO (in English): Mr. Chairman, other facilities, of course, in the neighbouring area will have to be taken into account in planning this, and in line with the policy as laid down by this Council, naturally the district board will be consulted.
MRS. HO (in English): Mr. Chairman, to follow-up Mr. Howard Young's question on artificial turf, could I ask whether consideration will be given to provide a hard-surface pitch as a replacement for the grass pitch which will lead to greater use.
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MR. LO (in English): Mr. Chairman, I think a hard-surface pitch will not be appropriate. They are only used for mini soccer and not for full-size football pitches, I don't think it will be acceptable to the Football Association.
MRS. ELLIOTT (in English): Mr. Chairman, on the point of clarification. As a member of Kwun Tong District Board, may I say that this has already been discussed and agreed by the District Board and they are eager to go ahead with the project.
RESUMPTION OF ANNUAL CONVENTIONAL DEBATE
CHAIRMAN (in English): Ladies and gentlemen, I shall now exercise my right of reply in resuming debate on the motion 'THAT this Council endorse the Statement of Aims for 1984.'
Introduction
This year's Annual Conventional Debate has been very lively, covering a wide range of subjects. It has been even more interesting than ever because it was the first time that several new members who joined the enlarged Urban Council last year have had the opportunity to speak on matters outside the statutory scope of the Urban Council.
All the various points raised by members which are outside Council's scope of responsibilities have already been referred to Government for detailed consideration.
A number of Select Committees and Sub-Committees Chairmen reported on the work of their committees during the past 12 months.
Other Councillors gave their views on various aspects of Council's responsibilities which are being studied by the Urban Services Department for consideration by the Select Committees concerned.
In my Right of Reply at this Year's Annual Conventional Debate, I am taking the opportunity to amplify on some of the valuable points raised by Councillors.
Squatter Areas
Mr. TONG Kam-biu spoke eloquently about the need to improve environmental hygiene, cleansing services and the collection of refuse in squatter areas. I fully share his concern on the importance of the Urban Council doing everything possible to improve the living environment of urban squatters who number about 170,000. Co-operating with the Housing Authority, the Council will continue to provide in urban squatter areas more refuse collection points and improve refuse collection services, and also provide more toilets and bathhouses
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