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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Vacated buildings pending demolition as well as dormant and active building sites have long been classified by the Department as 'Problem Spots'. This will closely be observed with a view to eliminating potential sanitary nuisances. District health inspectors and pest control staff keep records of these sites and they are subject to surveillance and regular weekly inspections in summer months and there will be fortnightly visits during the remaining period of the year. More frequent inspections will be made if circumstances warrant.
In respect of evidence of mosquito breeding there will be an immediate application of larvicide and drainage of any stagnant water.
An owner or contractor, depending on who is actually in charge of the vacated building/building site at the time when mosquito larvae were found, will be prosecuted under section 27 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.
The existence of potential mosquito breeding places will result in a warning letter being served under the same section of the ordinance on an owner or contractor concerned for the removal of such potential breeding sites.
In respect of rodent control, in locations where signs of rodent infestation are evident, trapping and/or poison baiting are carried out. Rat holes, whenever they are located, are to be filled up with suitable material.
Besides, notices may in addition be served under sections 20 and 27 of the main ordinance requiring the owner(s) or contractor concerned to effect removal of any accumulation of litter or waste that may form harbourage for rodents, and to carry out disinfestation within the site or premises.
In order to arouse the attention of the general public on the importance of preventing mosquitoes and rats, the Department together with the Department of Health carry out annual anti-mosquito and anti-rat campaigns within the Urban Council area.
For dead rodents, they are normally placed in plastic bags and disposed of as ordinary household refuse. Live rodents trapped will be collected by the Department for disposal. Where members of the public trap rats, district pest control staff of the Department will give appropriate advice on their proper disposal.
MS. ANNA TANG (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I have some supplementary questions. In paragraph 2 of the reply, vacant building sites will be classified as 'Problem Spot' and there will be inspection and I want to know concerning the vacated buildings, will our staff inspect the inside or outside of vacated buildings because usually the doors of vacated buildings are locked and also construction sites are surrounded by hoardings. How do they make the inspections? Secondly, if there are dead rodents, can our staff go into the buildings and remove the rodents? Thank you.
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MR. PAO PING-WING (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, Ms. TANG asks about the operational details of our staff. I will ask our staff to give detailed information to her after the meeting. Concerning inspection, we are talking about effective inspection. As to whether it is conducted inside or outside of the buildings, I think the most important thing is to achieve our aims. As to details, I would ask the Department to furnish them to Ms. TANG after the meeting.
MR. RONNIE WONG (in Chinese):--Concerning the last paragraph, it is said that if members of the public trap rats, then district pest control staff of the Department would give appropriate advice on the disposal. I wonder whether the PH S/C can consider taking the initiative to publish pamphlets to teach the public how to dispose of those dead rats?
MR. PAO PING-WING (in Cantonese):-As far as I know, there are such pamphlets. If the public don't know how to dispose of dead rats, they can contact our pest control staff who will give advice accordingly.
7. MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG asked the following question (in Cantonese):-This question concerns the cleanliness of Hong Kong. Regarding the cleaning of Hong Kong, the Urban Council plays an important role in effect and efforts are also made in publicity unsparingly. For instance, 'The Garden Celebration' organized in conjunction with the Regional Council in Chater Road on November 24 is mainly aimed at promoting public awareness on cleaning Hong Kong. In fact, I am most concerned and worried about the problem of cleaning Hong Kong. During a recent visit to Ferry Point with local residents of Yau Tsim District, I found that environmental cleanliness of the streets in the district was getting worse and worse. However, under the Government's 'zero growth' policy, the number of cleansing staff and street washing vehicles has to remain the same in contrast with the ever-increasing population and volume of refuse. As a result, the problem of cleanliness in Hong Kong has become more and more serious.
(1) Under the 'zero growth' policy, how can the Council ensure that the environmental hygiene of Hong Kong and the everyday cleanliness of the public are safeguarded?
(2) Will the Council consider a corresponding adjustment in the proportion of the funds to be allocated between environmental hygiene and other municipal facilities and cultural and recreational activities so as to increase cleansing staff and equipment for the direct and real benefits of Hong Kong people?
(3) In practice, is it possible for the Council to allocate more manpower and to strengthen street cleansing services in areas with high population density and mobility?
MR. PAO PING-WING, CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SELECT COMMITTEE replied as follows (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, this question is in 3 parts. All of them concern the cleanliness of Hong Kong.
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