1992 — Page 4

Page 4 of 126

6

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

manholes which receive waste water within the market. At present, staff of Yau Ma Tei Market open up these manholes and clear any feathers or refuse from them once every day after the market trading hours.

According to records of the Department, no serious drain blockage within the market was reported in the past six months and there was no indication from the Drainage Services Department in the same period that chokages to the public sewers were mainly attributable to blockage by feathers from the market. Despite the fact that there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that blockage of public sewers in the vicinity of the market was due to feathers from the market poultry stalls, the following preventive measures have been taken by the Department:

(i) The Architectural Services Department is requested to effect urgent repairs whenever defective grille covers over the surface channels in front of market stalls are detected.

(ii) The frequency of opening for inspection and if necessary clearing of the

market drainage manholes has been increased from once to twice daily. (iii) Market stall lessees are required to provide proper dust-bins for the

reception of wastes from the stalls.

(iv) To minimise any possible cause of chokage of public sewer by feathers from the market, the Architectural Services Department has been requested to conduct a feasibility study to see what other improvement measures that can be taken to prevent unscreened feathers from entering into the public sewer.

(v) Stringent enforcement action will be taken against any person found indiscriminately discharging feathers or refuse into the market drains.

With regard to the second part of the question which concerns the need to step up publicity and education for the market traders on improvement of the overall environmental hygiene of the market in general, with particular emphasis on the proper use of the market drains, I entirely share with Mr. IP's suggestion.

The Department will of course continue to enhance the publicity and education in this connection. Departmental staff will highlight the importance of keeping the market clean during their routine inspections and also at regular meetings with representatives of market stall lessees. Adequate notices to this effect have been posted at conspicuous locations inside the market. As in previous year, the Department will continue to organize Stall Cleanliness Competitions in Yau Ma Tei Market jointly with the Yau Tsim District Board.

4.

MR. MOK YING-FAN asked the following question (in Cantonese):—At the Monthly Meeting of 14 May 1991, it was replied that the Council would plant trees at two sides of Chuk Yuen Road and that this plan had been incorporated into our programme for 1991. However, I find that up to now, there has been no action of tree-planting. I would like to ask: Is there any change in this plan? If yes, what is the actual date of implementation and the number of trees to be planted?

Page 4 of 126

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Page 4 of 126

7

MR. RONNIE WONG MAN-CHIU, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in Cantonese):-This question, concerning the lack of progress regarding tree planting in Chuk Yuen Road, is in two parts and asks:

(a) whether there has been any change in the plans notified to the Council in

May last year; and

(b) for the actual date of implementation and the number of trees to be

planted.

As regards the first part, it was announced that it was hoped to plant some 140 trees during the course of the year. Unfortunately, during a detailed site survey, it was found that a major watermain will prevent the planting of any trees along the northern side of Chuk Yuen Road.

However, the plans to plant about 80 trees along the southern side of the road will not be affected.

As regards the second part, during the next few weeks, the Highways Department will be forming some 25 tree pits using funds provided by the Wong Tai Sin District Board. I understand that these first trees should be in place before the end of May.

Friends of the Earth has also indicated an interest in sponsoring the provision of tree pits at this venue. So as funds become available the department will proceed with planting the remainder of the trees. It is expected that all work should be completed before the end of the year.

May I say that this project provides an excellent example of community participation and highlight the initiatives being pursued by the Urban Council in conjunction with District Boards and other organizations and departments. The Urban Services Department is very much involved both in the Central Government's efforts for improved coordination in urban tree planting, and in detailed liaison with the Highways Department to implement agreed work programmes.

In this connection, I understand that the Recreation Select Committee will soon receive the department's proposals for the next Tree Planting Programme.

MR. MOK YING-FAN (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I have two supplementary questions. First, I would like to know concerning the Urban Council Tree Planting Programme, why do the funds come from the District Boards and from the Friends of the Earth? Secondly, in terms of the co-operation of the Highways Department, as far as I know, the plan was delayed because the initial information provided by the Highways did not mention that there was a watermain and it was discovered eventually. In future, as we will plant more trees in the urban area, is there any method to step up liaison with the Highways Department?

MR. RONNIE WONG MAN-CHIU (in Cantonese):—I would like to take the second question first. Concerning the co-operation with the Highways Department and other departments like Water Supplies Department or the Works Department,

Page 4 of 126