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DR. RONALD D. B. LEUNG (in English):-I think the liaison with the Housing Department would involve a much higher level and also involve a much longer term of planning. It cannot be done overnight for sure because some of the older estates have been built with limited waste storage capacity. As regards the short term measure to solve the problem, I think the Department is thinking of redeploying more vehicles to the area so as to cope with the increased demand especially for the collection of junk and also the Department is contemplating to have additional collection services each day so as to clear up the junk accumulated. But the essential point I think is, as you all know, that some of our refuse collection vehicles are rather old, and there is an urgent need for replacement. In passing, I can mention that out of the total fleet of 77 vehicles, 66 are over six years old. The usual life expectancy for our refuse collection vehicles is seven years, so I think quite a large proportion of our refuse collection vehicles have already reached the end of their life expectancy. So I think speeding up the replacement of our refuse collection vehicles should be considered as a priority and that would involve the other Select Committee such as the Finance Select Committee to allocate a larger budget for such a purpose.
3.
MR. FUNG KWONG-CHUNG asked the following question (in Cantonese):— The development of the Wong Tai Sin District has correspondingly given rise to the demand for more recreational venues and facilities in the district. I would like to ask about the existing facilities provided by Morse Park No. I (i.e. the section along Tung Tai Lane) which is within Wong Tai Sin district. I have got complaints that due to the uneven surface of the park and frequent nuisances of dog urination and defecation, the park fails to serve as leisure ground of the residents. Does the Council have any plans to improve the situation? For instance, in view of the lack of ideal children playgrounds and a number of primary schools and kindergartens in the Wong Tai Sin District, would the Council consider altering it into a children playground with facilities that help to enlighten children's mind? Thus, we can make full use of the place for the benefit of the children.
MR. SAMUEL P. W. WONG, Chairman of THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE replied the question (in Cantonese):--Mr. Chairman, this question asks what remedial action is being taken for the uneven surface of the lawn area at Morse Park No. 1, what measures are being taken to prevent nuisance of dog urination and defecation at this Park, and whether there are any plans to convert the park into a children playground.
Morse Park No. 1 is purely intended for passive recreational use especially for the elderly in the vicinity. This is a popular venue for them to carry out morning exercises as well as Tai Chi Boxing on the lawn area. The park is very heavily patronized and as a result the lawn area suffers from an uneven surface because of frequent wear and tear. In particular, the problem areas are those frequently used by Tai Chi Players and park-goers taking short cuts across the lawn instead of the footpath. In the past the lawn was fenced off by means of bamboo trellis in order to preserve the greenery of the area. However, at the request of the local residents, the bamboo trellis were taken down in recent years and has since become a popular spot for the elderly taking their morning exercise. An average of 50 people exercise there every morning. In order to provide a better surface for the park users, the management will undertake the necessary works which may involve temporary closure for maintenance as and when necessary, Consideration will also be given to build a proper footpath for the convenience of the park-goers.
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bamboo trellis in order to preserve the greenery of the area. However, at the request of the local residents, the bamboo trellis were taken down in recent years and has since become a popular spot for the elderly taking their morning exercise. An average of 50 people exercise there every morning. In order to provide a better surface for the park users, the management will undertake the necessary works which may involve temporary closure for maintenance as and when necessary, Consideration will also be given to build a proper footpath for the convenience of the park-goers.
With regard to nuisance caused by dogs, as a normal practice, the field staff will advise users to keep their dogs away from the park when spotted and to inform the Dog Catching Unit of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department for assistance to catch any stray dogs if there may be. The field staff are trying their best to prevent the park from being polluted by dog urination and defecation. There are already signs in the entrances to the Park advising park-goers that dogs are not allowed into the park. The management will consider prosecution action against frequent offenders. Park staff have been advised to keep the park clean at all times.
Having taken into account the existing provision of children playgrounds in Morse Park No. 4, and the fact that Choi Hung Road Playground is within very close proximity to this site and those that will be provided in Housing Department's Tung Tau Tsuen Redevelopment, Wang Tau Hom Re-development and so on, it is considered that the present and future provision of children playgrounds will sufficiently cope with the demand. Therefore, it is considered that Morse Park No. 1 should remain for its present use which is for passive recreation.
4.
MR. FUNG KWONG-CHUNG asked the following question (in Cantonese):- There is a refuse collection point (R.C.P.) beside the entrance of the Carpenter Road Park adjoining Tung Ching Road. Bad odour is emitted and the operation of this R.C.P. is carried out in open air. These constitute nuisances and inconvenience to the residents nearby. The R.C.P. is close to Tung Tau Estate, and is in the neighbourhood of a 900-unit public housing block, a primary school with almost 2000 pupils and the Shek Ku Lung Road Playground. Therefore, it constitutes a health hazard and pollutes the environment. Moreover, when the refuse collection vehicles move into the refuse collection point, residents nearby can clearly see the operation of the refuse collection. In the morning, refuse is always found piling against the door of the refuse collection point, thus forming an eyesore to residents. May I be informed:
(a) What would the Council do to minimize the offensive smell given out by the refuse collection point so neither the health of nearby residents would be affected nor their environment be polluted?
(b) In what way would the design of the refuse collection point be improved to get the unpleasant scene of operation out of the residents' sight?
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