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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

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There are no universally accepted international standards for coliform levels in sea-water off bathing beaches and the standards adopted by different countries vary considerably. For example, the standard adopted in Australia is 1,000 coliforms per 100 ml. of water, in the U.S.A., 2,400 coliforms 100 ml. of water and in the European Economic Community, 10,000 coliforms per 100 ml. of water. In the face of these different standards and in the absence of positive evidence linking the transmission of diseases to sea bathing, it would be difficult and, indeed, unnecessary to adopt any of the standards I have mentioned for local use. Instead, it is the policy to keep as close as possible to the guidelines laid down by the World Health Organiza tion taking into account local conditions. In fact, in terms of bacterial level. the quality of the water off Hong Kong's bathing beaches compares favourably with that of many other countries. For the past three years, 78.8% of the samples tested were within the World Health Organization's recommended

limit of 1,000 coliforms per 100 ml.

Turning now to the question of what the Urban Council can do to avert the possibility that beaches might have to be closed if coliform counts became too high, a number of measures are already being taken. Firstly, the Council aims to provide adequate sanitary facilities including public toilets for use by beach-goers and, wherever these facilities are provided, proper arrange- ments are made for the discharge of waste and the effective treatment of effluents. Secondly, the Council provides frequent and regular services for the cleansing of beaches supplemented, where possible, by the removal of refuse from the water. Thirdly, the Council promotes health education campaigns designed to encourage beach-goers to keep beaches clean and also to en- courage boat-owners to refrain from polluting the sea. Fourthly, the sampling of water in the vicinity of bathing beaches for bacteriological examination and the assessment of water quality takes place fortnightly. From the samples obtained, various indices on pollution including the coliform counts are prepared. Fifthly, when coliform counts are found to be persistently high, the water is additionally tested for pathogens to see whether there is any hazard to public health. Finally, if a hazard to health were thought to exist. a thorough survey would be conducted to locate the source of pollution so that it could be abated. As a last resort, if health hazards were confirmed and if the pollutants could not be eliminated, thus rendering the beaches unfit for swimming, the Urban Services Department would recommend to the Council that the beach concerned should be de-gazetted and that notices should be posted warning the public that the water was unsuitable for swimming.

MR. YOUNG (in English):-Mr. Chairman, comparing the answer with the figures in the question, is it fair to say that as far as bacterial pollution is concerned, our beaches have not deteriorated since 1972?

MRS. HO (in English):-Mr. Chairman, I can confirm that.

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MR. YOUNG (in English):~On the other hand, is it true to say that it does not mean that our beaches have not deteriorated as far as other sources of

pollution may be concerned?

MRS. Ho (in English):-The question refers really to coliform bacteria counts.

Is Mr. YOUNG asking.

CHAIRMAN (in English):-General pollution at the beaches.

MRS. Ho (in English):-For general pollution, I think we have to be con- cerned about that because of the number of people using the beaches. I think off hand that in 1972, there were probably less beach-goers than there are now and that is why we conduct the campaigns to bring to public awareness that they themselves can pollute beaches.

MOTIONS

1. THE CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL, moved the following motion:-

RESOLVED that the Urban Council Annual Report for the year 1978/79 be approved.'

He said (in English):-I have pleasure in moving it on behalf of the Council. Much is done in many ways by a host of people to advance the cause of common humanity here. This Annual Report is thus only a part of the Hong Kong story and claims to be no more.

The Council has many essential duties and responsibilities. Let it be said again that its work is mostly taken for granted. When the job is done well the community enjoys a better environment altogether. Improved living condi- tions mean in effect a happier and healthier life for all.

In addition, many educational opportunities and diverse entertainment programmes are offered without charge in every neighbourhood. The aim is simply to enable the people to enjoy some of the good things a now far more affluent society should give to those who stand in need. For the young, in particular, play facilities are located everywhere and numerous recreational activities held in their own districts. For that matter, there is always some free event for everyone among the many hundreds put on each month.

The Council cares for the people in practical ways. It is vital that concern for the well-being of the people should take positive and demonstrable forms. Moreover, varied measures to attract the young and to fill the growing leisure-time of all ages should reduce the incidence of costly remedial social action. When the people were left to their own devices before, they had mostly to spend their hard-earned free time as best they could.

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