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PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
streets and reduced the number of traffic signs, lay-bys and bus-stops, etc., thus releasing more spaces for planting.
2. Greening Policies and Measures for possible adoption by HKSAR Government
Hong Kong may draw on the experience of Singapore whose greening policies and measures have made Singapore a garden city. I suggest that the authorities concerned should, taking into account Hong Kong's existing city layout and the state of greening work, consider adopting the following greening policies and measures:
(1) Planting more colourful landscaping vegetation
The main roads from the Singapore International Airport to the town centre are lined with colourful plants which are mostly flowering shrubs and trees with only a small fraction of annuals in order to reduce cost. We should perhaps do the same. I suggest that the highways from the airport to the urban area should also be lined with colourful plants for landscaping purpose.
(2) Landscaping footbridges and viaducts
In Singapore, built-in plant troughs and irrigation systems are included in the design of footbridges and viaducts. This has made possible the abundant planting of flowers and shrubs on both sides of the overhanging section of a footbridge or viaduct. The same design should be adopted for Hong Kong.
(3) Using climbing figs to green concrete walls
The climbing fig (Ficus pumila) can be very effectively used in covering concrete walls. This species of creeper is available locally and should be used more extensively for greening concrete walls and supporting pillars.
(4) Compiling a “Tree Planting Masterplan”
The NPB of Singapore has compiled a "Tree Planting Masterplan" to provide guidelines on the planting, maintenance and selection of species. The data are computerized to sustain accuracy and facilitate communication. The Provisional Urban Council should consider installing a similar system.
(5) Providing therapeutic footpaths in parks
Therapeutic footpaths are provided for visitors to massage their acupuncture points, thus improving their reflexes and blood circulation to
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