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strategic landfills could cope with our increasing volume of waste. Now, it seems apparent that they will be used up sooner than expected. With space limited, population growing and development fast, it is not easy for us to open up new landfills. The speed with which our waste increases in volume suggests that our three existing landfills will be filled to capacity before 2001/2. So where will our waste be put? I think this is something to consider. I agree that this Council should give more views. As mentioned in the Draft Paper, studies by consultants into the feasibility of incineration for power generation are underway and will be completed at the end of 1998. I am in favour of this development.
Earlier on, this Council went to US and Canada on a study tour. We visited an incineration plant in California. The management there told us that the plant was built at a time when waste increased drastically and landfills could not cope. Incineration for power generation was introduced to California in 1987. On one hand, it tackles the waste problem and on the other, it generates energy. The management estimated that in the year 2000, the plant would be able to tackle 54,000 tonnes of waste per day. Actually, plans to set up plant facilities started as early as 1981 as a relief to the dependence on landfills. People there who have high awareness for environmental protection accept such facilities. Experts have proved that the facilities would not pose any hazards to the population. At the same time, the cost for handling waste reduced.
Mr. Chairman, coupled with our population growth and industrial development, waste increase is unavoidable. We need to address the problem. As we cannot make waste disappear, we must take active, environmentally friendly measures to tackle it. Waste sorting, energy conservation and environmental education are all useful measures. I want to stress that the provision of modern incineration plants is an active measure too. We should consider it and bring it in as soon as possible.
With these remarks, Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.
MR. RONNIE WONG Man-Chiu (in Cantonese):-Although I support in principle the Chairman's motion on 'resolved that the Council comment on the Hong Kong Government's Waste Reduction Plan for Hong Kong Consultation Paper (Draft)' and 'urge the government to construct modernised waste incineration facilities', I would have to abstain from voting.
Many Members have expressed their views today and we have already set up a committee to study the Paper and give comments. We would be pre-empting the committee and it would not be fair.
Therefore, I find that the motion is somewhat too early. Maybe it is because we are having a recess in August and the consultation period will end in August. Maybe the Chairman is aware that many topics need to be discussed
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