Page 242 of 606
PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
237
static electricity is more common in winter, the problem has never been raised by any Member. Nevertheless, since Mr. WONG brought up the issue, we discussed with the manufacturer and sought a solution. We will improve and handle similar facilities in future. About the supportive structures, I think their main effect is to have the static electricity conducted to the ground. As for the use of stainless steel or otherwise, I am not an expert and I consider that this should be decided by professionals.
The improvement works will take two months, or will be completed around December. Since it will be winter with dry weather, the effect of the improvement can be ascertained then. It is a very appropriate time. At least members of the Recreation Select Committee and I would instruct the Department to ascertain the effect and see for it ourselves. I believe I have answered Mr. WONG's four questions.
Mr. Wong KWOK-HING (in Cantonese):—One of my four questions has not been answered. The question is about the original cost of the facility. If the Chairman of the Select Committee does not know it now, can he provide it after the meeting?
Another follow-up question. Before the improvement works is completed two months later, can we ask the Department to post up a notice advising children or parents that static electricity will not cause any bodily harm and will only result in minor numbness, so to make them rest assured? May I ask whether the Chairman of the Select Committee would follow up on this? However, I don't want the facility closed, because static electricity would not cause any harm except for minor numbness. I hope the Chairman of the Select Committee will answer my question.
MR. RONNIE Wong Man-CHIU (in Cantonese):—I don't have the information about the cost of the facility with me. I will give it to Mr. WONG after the meeting.
As for the posting up of a notice, we will definitely see to it that the Department takes follow-up action on this. May I take this opportunity to urge the media to publicize this?
MR. JOSEPH Chan Yuek-sut (in Cantonese);—Mr. Chairman, not all materials produce static electricity. In winter, even car doors produce some static electricity when one opens or closes them. If electricity conductor is installed, the static electricity will be conducted away. Nevertheless, Mr. Chairman, as Mr. Ronnie WONG indicated in his reply just now, there were five children's playgrounds that were provided with the same sliding facilities as the one at Provident Garden.
May I ask the Chairman of the Select Committee why slides made of this kind of material are prone to producing static electricity? This is the first question.
The second question is, can we avoid building slides of this kind of material?
Page 242 of 606
Page 242 of 606;
Page 242 of 606