XN000022-1996-07-30 — Page 7

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"The study will develop a comprehensive policy and specific proposals for 31 nullahs throughout the territory.

"It will also consider the effects of proposed works on safety, maintenance and hydraulic capacity of the existing drainage system and the environment, and subsequently recommend outline solutions for any such consequential problems," he said.

The study will be carried out in two stages. Stage I covers nullahs in the urban areas and scheduled for completion in 18 months. Stage II covers nullahs in the New Territories for completion in 30 months.

Mr Cheung said that the decking of nullahs would reduce nuisance caused by pollution. In some areas, the decking could provide space for road widening, parking, storage, recreational facilities, green areas and other commercial or public facilities.

"In other areas, nullahs can provide a pleasing addition to the landscape after being cleaned and beautified," he said.

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Certificate to enhance mobility of the disabled

Disabled private car passengers will be allowed to board or alight in restricted zones from Thursday (August 1) under a six-month trial scheme.

Explaining details of the scheme at a demonstration, Transport Department's Senior Transport Officer (Taxi), Ms Irene Ho Wai-yin, said today (Tuesday) that the trial scheme aimed to improve the mobility of disabled people.

The trial scheme is an extension of the "Taxi Certificate" which has been introduced since 1993 to cover private car passengers.

The "Certificate for picking up or setting down of disabled private car passengers in restricted zones" scheme is launched by the Transport Department, Police and Hong Kong Council of Social Service.

Ms Ho said: "Under the scheme, a disabled passenger who wishes to board or alight from a private car in a restricted zone should issue in advance to the driver a certificate with the passenger's name, vehicle registration number and details of the journey.