# HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
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On the management aspect, the survey was particularly concerned about large objects placed for long periods inside RCPs. The finding revealed that more than half of the RCPs had this problem.
Findings point to the fact that RCPs built by the HD cannot meet the design specifications of the USD. As pointed out by Mr. Li, even newly built housing estates could not be equipped with enclosed RCPs. It is therefore important for the HD to upgrade standards. As to the unsatisfactory hygiene condition of RCPs, it is directly related to the quality of management. We feel that the USD should take up the supervisory role in keeping standards of housing estate contractors.
The Democratic Party feels that the performance of contractors is closely related to the condition of the surrounding environment. Mr. Li just asked the USD to enforce the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance strictly so as to improve cleanliness at housing estates. In fact, apart from strict enforcement actions, the Democratic Party suggests that a scoring system similar to that for beaches and street cleaning should be implemented. By setting an objective set of standards for assessment, both the HD, its contractors and members of the public know what to expect. Inspection exercises at estates with poor standards should be stepped up too for better supervision.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I support the motion.
MR. TAM Kwok-KIU (in Cantonese): Basically, the ADPL supports the motion on the problem pinpointed. In fact, the problem was raised by us at many previous meetings of the relevant Select Committee.
However, the ADPL does not think that better coordination and cooperation will solve the problem. Yes, we need to step up coordination and cooperation. As pointed out by Mr. Fred LI, many circumstances and measures come as a shock to us. We should not allege simply that the HD does not know or knows but does nothing at all. The crux of the matter is that the Urban Council and the Housing Authority do not have the relation of subordinates.
As we all understand, very often the HD follows town planning standards as laid down in the guidelines when planning new housing estates. Therefore, I think in addition to asking for better coordination and cooperation, we should be more proactive in our approach.
I think the first thing we should do is to work on the design, distance from housing blocks, facilities in the RCPs etc. Members have expressed their views on such items. Maybe we should take the initiative to contact those responsible for town planning and draw up overall guidelines. With this set of guidelines in place, any department or private developer designing housing blocks will have to follow. I think this is an important point.
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