HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 56 of 126
93
In designing water features, the Department is particularly mindful about two areas of potential danger. These are, first, the depth of the water; and secondly, the problems caused by water spillage.
As regards the first, and in order to lessen the risks as far as possible, the water depth is always kept to the absolute minimum. Thus, as a matter of course, in our ornamental and boating pools, the level is less than 400mm. Members may recall that I made this point at the October meeting, when answering Mr. BERNACCHI's question about the safety of the pools at Chai Wan Park.
As regards the second problem area, and in order to help reduce any water overspill, the height of any water jets and cascades is very carefully controlled. As an additional precautionary measure, non-slip surfaces are also provided along poolside areas.
Apart from these standard arrangements, extra safety measures are also implemented to meet special needs. These include physical barriers such as planters and/or railings to deter encroachment, and warning signs. By way of illustration, in Hong Kong Park at the waterfall feature, we have installed railings, warning signs and life buoys. This is because the water depth is about 2 metres (mainly to provide for the desired acoustic effect) which warrants these additional precautions.
I have only one other point to make as regards these general safety aspects. That is, in order to reinforce these measures at night, adequate lighting is also provided at all our water features.
As regards our management role, the park staff are instructed to pay particular attention to the safety and care of all our park visitors (and not just in relation to our water facilities). Clearly, parents, and any others who are supervising small children, must also have an overall responsibility for their safety and well being.
Finally, in order to maintain good hygienic standards, departmental staff closely monitor the cleanliness of the pools. Pools are normally cleaned and refilled every fortnight. Where aquatic plant growth and fish life is involved, less frequent cleaning may be arranged. Usually this takes place once in a month.
2. DR. THE HONOURABLE SAMUEL P. W. WONG asked the following question (in Cantonese):—In view of the rather dilapidated state of Central Market, and in order to improve the surrounding environment, would this Council consider pulling down the market building and returning the site to Government for modern commercial development?
In view of the rapid decrease in residential premises in the vicinity, and the allegedly under use of the market, would this Council consider cancelling market provision in this area as a whole?
Page 56 of 126
t
i
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 56 of 126
93
In designing water features, the Department is particularly mindful about two areas of potential danger. These are, first, the depth of the water; and secondly, the problems caused by water spillage.
As regards the first, and in order to lessen the risks as far as possible, the water depth is always kept to the absolute minimum. Thus, as a matter of course, in our ornamental and boating pools, the level is less than 400mm. Members may recall that I made this point at the October meeting, when answering Mr. BERNACCHI's question about the safety of the pools at Chai Wan Park.
As regards the second problem area, and in order to help reduce any water overspill, the height of any water jets and cascades is very carefully controlled. As an additional precautionary measure, non-slip surfaces are also provided along poolside areas.
Apart from these standard arrangements, extra safety measures are also implemented to meet special needs. These include physical barriers such as planters and/or railings to deter encroachment, and warning signs. By way of illustration, in Hong Kong Park at the waterfall feature, we have installed railings, warning signs and life buoys. This is because the water depth is about 2 metres (mainly to provide for the desired acoustic effect) which warrants these additional precautions.
I have only one other point to make as regards these general safety aspects. That is, in order to reinforce these measures at night, adequate lighting is also provided at all our water features.
As regards our management role, the park staff are instructed to pay particular attention to the safety and care of all our park visitors (and not just in relation to our water facilities). Clearly, parents, and any others who are supervising small children, must also have an overall responsibility for their safety and well being.
Finally, in order to maintain good hygienic standards, departmental staff closely monitor the cleanliness of the pools. Pools are normally cleaned and refilled every fortnight. Where aquatic plant growth and fish life is involved, less frequent cleaning may be arranged. Usually this takes place once in a month.
2. DR. THE HONOURABLE SAMUEL P. W. WONG asked the following question (in Cantonese):—In view of the rather dilapidated state of Central Market, and in order to improve the surrounding environment, would this Council consider pulling down the market building and returning the site to Government for modern commercial development?
In view of the rapid decrease in residential premises in the vicinity, and the allegedly under use of the market, would this Council consider cancelling market provision in this area as a whole?
Page 56 of 126
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