XN000022-1972-11-23 — Page 2

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Thursday, November 23, 1972

If an acceptable standard of cleanliness is to be maintained in

the harbour, the existing cleansing fleet must be expanded, he said.

The Director of Marine has, therefore, recommended the addition

of four units to the existing fleet for a trial period of six months,

comprising four mechanised cargo boats and 12 sampans.

The total amount of refuse collected can then be measured to

make a more accurate assessment of the needs to maintain the harbour in a

reasonable state of cleanliness.

The Marine Department is also launching a big cleansing operation,

as part of the "Clean Hong Kong" campaign, to deal with refuse accumulating

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in 12 major areas in Hong Kong and Kowloon.

The existing harbour cleansing fleet can only cope with four of

these areas each day and the new units will assist with the remainder.

Of the 12 areas, five are regarded as litter "black spots" which

require more attention: the area from Hok Yuen to Lei Yue Mun; from Blake

Pier to Wan Chai Ferry Pier; from Wan Chai Ferry Pier to the western entrance

to the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter; and from the entrance to the Causeway

Bay Typhoon Shelter to Shau Kei Wan.

daily.

"These five areas are always very dirty, and should be cleansed

This is where the extra units can help," the spokesman said.

The estimated cost of the expansion to the fleet is $250,000. The

vessels will be hired on a contract basis, the same as the existing arrangement.

The Marine Department will also employ additional staff to provide

the necessary supervision for the cleansing service.

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