1964 — Page 18

}

Page 18 of 312

14

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Prisons for his help in providing prison labour to assist in this new venture.

The answer to the second part of the question is that the Department is well aware that much of the central divid- ing strip along the new Kwun Tong Road has not yet been turfed or planted, and action has already been taken with a view to carrying out as much of the work as possible this year and any balance next year. The cost of turfing and planting is relatively small, and the biggest item of expenditure is for protective fencing where this has not already been provided. I understand that an application for funds to cover the cost of a further half mile of pro- tective fencing now rests with Government, and I have asked the Department to make representations for early approval to be given, so as to permit turfing and planting this summer.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, have you ever heard of the saying "cleanliness is next to loveliness"? Assuming that you have, Mr. Chairman, may I ask whether it is proposed to have a marathon "Keep Your City Clean" campaign this year?

MR. SALES-Mr. Chairman, first, I think the saying is "cleanliness is next to godliness". (Laughter). Secondly, the supplementary ques- tion is not germane to the main question and so, with your permission, I suggest that it be ruled out of order. (Laughter).

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-I beg your pardon. This is an up-to-date version of the old saying and I believe it should not be ruled out of order, in which case I might pursue my questioning further. If it is proposed that we are going to have a marathon "Keep Your City Clean" cam- paign this year, will it reach Olympic proportions?

MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, the adjective is "Olympian" (Laughter).

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Alright, Mr. Chairman, I accept that correc- tion. May I have an answer from the Chairman of the Urban Ameni- ties Select Committee?

MR. SALES: -Mr. Chairman, I would be delighted to suggest that this important matter be referred to the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee, because it is within the terms of reference of that particular Committee.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN: --Mr. Chairman, it also comes within the terms of reference of my new saying "cleanliness is next to loveliness."

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

DR. R. H. S. LEE asked the following question:-

15

Is the Chairman aware of the hideous traffic islands at the junction of Castle Peak Road and Tai Po Road, and that of Nathan Road and Boundary Street? Since they have been the subject of adverse criticism in the past by pre- vious Councillors, can he inform this Council what action will be taken to improve their appearance, and when is it likely that something can be done?

THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-

If I am not mistaken, Sir, the traffic island which you refer to at the junction of Nathan Road with Boundary Street is the one now being used as a works area by the contractor engaged on the reconstruction of the adjoining section of Nathan Road. The use of this island as a works area is essential, as no other suitable site is available in the vicinity.

Major improvements to this particular junction are covered by Public Works Programme Item No. RK2-Boundary Street/Tai Po Road/Cheung Sha Wan Road Junction Improvements. Work will commence later this year and include the removal of this traffic island. I might add that the improvements at this junction will take into account the linked traffic signal scheme for Nathan Road.

The new layout for this junction should result in a slight in- crease in the size of the existing children's playground, and the addition of a small rest garden. I am arranging for the plans to be referred to the Urban Amenities Select Committee shortly.

I refer now to the junction of the Tai Po Road with Castle Peak Road. Plans for major improvements at this junc- tion have been drawn up by the Public Works Depart- ment and are being submitted to the Public Works Sub- Committee of Finance Committee as a new item at their next review of the Public Works Programme. It is not possible to say when this work will be carried out, but I can state that the plans provide for the removal of the islands to which you refer and their replacement by a signal controlled junction.

DR. LEE:-Mr. Chairman, may I ask as a supplementary to the second paragraph of your reply whether the traffic island, to which I refer, that is, at the junction of Nathan Road and Boundary Street, was formerly an amenity area? It is only recently that it has been spoiled for use as a contractor's storage area.