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3.
HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
405
ventilation methods. As the HD is relying on this (open roofless RCPs), the odour bothers residents nearby. It is outdated and unreasonable. HD standard dictates that RCPs should be 20 metres away from residential units. I am sure those Members familiar with the situation at housing estates know that standard is not complied with in most estates. RCPs are mostly built within 10 metres from residential units. The HD has not adhered to its own standard strictly.
Regarding road signs, if refuse collection vehicles are to enter through emergency accesses, adequate fencing should be put in and there should be clear instructions. If not, USD drivers will find it difficult to drive into RCPs in estates.
Finally, I come to the issue of management of the estates. The performance of cleaning contractors affects environmental hygiene. In June 1995, the Urban Council carried a motion for strict enforcement of Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance in order to improve cleanliness in housing estates. If necessary, health inspectors will go into estates for inspection and prosecute contractors or even the HD. More than two years from that time, no prosecution has been made. The Democratic Party feels the departments are defending each other (the HD and USD treating each other politely) and that this culture has to change. The USD should send health inspectors to inspect estates and make prosecutions when necessary. This is their duty and they should not avoid it.
When the hygiene condition of RCPs in estates meets the above standard, the environmental hygiene problems of estates arising from RCPs will be reduced. Our citizens will then be able to enjoy living in a clean environment.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I move the motion.
MR. CHAN KWOK-LEUNG (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I second the motion.
Mr. Daniel To Boon-man (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, as the living standard of our citizens rises, their demand on the hygiene standard of RCPs goes up too. Enforcement of hygiene policies and ordinances relies on coordination and cooperation between departments concerned. The example quoted by Mr. Li just now also occurred in the Eastern District.
Take Yiu Tung Estate in Eastern District for example. The HD designed a RCP near Sai Wan Ho market but was met with protests by the community. Among those dissatisfied included parents of two nearby schools and the District Board. Since it was difficult to change the design, there would be certain hygiene problems. It is therefore preferable for the HD and the USD to liaise at the design stage so that the above problem and any waste of resources can be avoided. In view of the circumstances, I suggest that when the HD builds RCPs at housing estates, the following points should be considered and
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Page 409 of 654