24 THE ENVIRONMENT
SINCE publishing its first White Paper on the environment in 1989, the Hong Kong Government has moved rapidly and invested large sums of money to correct environmental mistakes. The territory's environmental problems are common to most developed communities. Its rapid growth of population, industry and commerce remains at the root of pollution by human activities.
Government spending on the environment in 1995-96 is expected to make up three per cent of public spending, totalling $6,205 million, compared with 0.8 per cent in 1988-89.
Additional measures were introduced to control water, waste, air and noise. pollution. The Water Pollution Control Ordinance was extended to new zones that cover the industrial areas at Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan East and Kwun Tong, and commercial and residential areas at Sham Shui Po, Yau Tsim Mong, Kowloon City and Wong Tai Sin.
A $9.4 billion sewerage improvement scheme should be completed by 1997. It is designed to help clean up Victoria Harbour, where up to 70 per cent of the territory's sewage goes untreated, and to improve sewage services in other areas. With the commissioning of the last strategic landfill in 1995, all three new strategic landfills are now in operation. They will be served by a network of refuse transfer stations, three of which are already operational. Provision of these essential waste management facilities marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Waste Disposal Plan published in 1989.
Under the 'polluter pays' principle, a scheme to charge for the treatment and disposal of chemical wastes was introduced in 1995. The Air Pollution Control Ordinance was amended to tighten vehicle emission standards and 69 ozone-depleting substances were put under control as part of a global programme. Other new regula- tions promote energy efficiency and conservation in buildings.
The government and a private organisation launched parallel green funds, totalling $100 million, to fund educational, research and community action projects and activities which will benefit the environment of Hong Kong, increase public environ- mental awareness and mobilise the community to act for the environment.
The Noise Control Ordinance and the Road Traffic Ordinance were amended to the effect that all newly registered vehicles and motor cycles in Hong Kong will have to meet stringent international standards. Subsidiary laws were enacted to further control construction noise in populated areas at night and during holidays.
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