ENG-2000 — Page 292

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LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

Since 1982, the Government has encouraged the installation of a piped gas supply in new buildings to contain the growth in the use of LPG cylinders in domestic dwellings. Cylinder LPG is now used in less than 27 per cent of domestic dwellings. With effect from April 2000, the sale or supply of flueless gas water heaters for use in Hong Kong was prohibited and as from July 2000, the use of such water heaters to serve bathrooms or showers was prohibited.

To safeguard public safety, the Gas Safety Ordinance and its regulations came into operation in April 1991. They cover all aspects of the importation, manufacture, storage, transport, supply and use of fuel gas. The legislation was amended in 1996 to encompass periodic examination of gasholders, deter damaging of underground gas pipes, improve safety requirements for the maintenance of gas installations and prohibit the importation and sale of certain types of dispensable LPG containers.

Since April 1, 1992, all gas supply companies, gas installers and contractors must be registered with the Gas Authority (the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services) in order to carry out their operations. At end-2000, there were seven registered gas supply companies, 2 503 registered gas installers and 375 registered gas

contractors.

Since 1995, natural gas is also used for power generation at the Black Point and Castle Peak power stations. It is imported from the Yacheng 13-1 gas field off Hainan Island in southern China via a 780-kilometre high-pressure submarine pipeline. The Government has expressed its support for the further use of natural gas for power generation and domestic purposes.

LPG is being used as a motor fuel for taxis in Hong Kong following the successful completion of a one-year trial run. The Government has been working closely with oil companies, the taxi trade and other relevant parties for setting up LPG filling stations and LPG vehicle repair workshops, and providing training for LPG vehicle mechanics in order to support the LPG Taxi Scheme.