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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
has as much to do with town planning as with anything else. The Council cannot simply single out shop obstruction for enforcement action, because a variety of street obstructions may also hamper the Department's street cleansing operation in different forms.
Because of the nature of this problem, it is best dealt with inter-departmentally and operations organised by the District Management Committees of the District Boards have generally proved to be the most effective. Examples of this are the backlane clearance exercises conducted a few years ago. The Department cooperates fully in such endeavours and will continue to do so. The Department also welcomes the stepping up of such operations and it is understood that Government is now considering re-activating such District Management Committees exercises.
MR. WU CHI-WAI (in Cantonese):—I believe that we all agree that street obstruction has been a wide spread and long standing problem in Hong Kong. The legislations on street obstruction are enforced by different departments, including the Police, Transport Department, Highways Department, etc. However, these departments do not accord priority to street management. So, can we request the Government delegate the power of street management to the Council through legislation.
MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, we can certainly make a request to the Government, but as to whether the Government will agree, we don't know.
MR. TO BOON-MAN (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask a question here. Some shops have fixed display racks and eventually these racks become part of the fitting of the shop. What actions will the Department take against this kind of fixtures that take up pavement space? This is my first question.
Secondly, inter departmental operations were mentioned just now, which department will be responsible for initiating such operations? Can we ask the Department to follow up on that?
MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, actions against illegal occupation of pavement or illegal extension of shop premises are the duties of the Buildings Department or Lands Department. These Departments should be responsible for taking prosecution action.
Mr. To Boon-Man (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I have a question. The most effective action is inter-departmental action organised by the District Management Committees. Which department is responsible for initiating such actions then? It is hoped that the Department can take more positive actions against the black spots in future.
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