ENG-2001 — Page 236

HEALTH

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In older districts, the FEHD provides 37 public bathhouses 11 on Hong Kong Island, 15 in Kowloon and 11 in the New Territories and outlying islands.

To meet growing public expectations, various measures have been taken by the department to improve public toilet facilities, including stationing cleaners in toilets with high usage rates. Under a regular refurbishment programme, 17 public toilets were renovated in 2001.

Clean Hong Kong

In an effort to improve environmental hygiene, the Government launched a new Clean Hong Kong programme in December 2000. Since then, the FEHD and other departments concerned have been carrying out a series of enhanced cleansing operations. These services, as well as public education and publicity measures, aim to bring about visible and sustainable improvements.

District Councils and community groups have been invited to participate in Clean Hong Kong activities to signify a renewed public commitment to a cleaner Hong Kong. District Clean Hong Kong Committees have been set up in all the 18 districts under the respective District Councils, and over 1 200 voluntary helpers have been appointed Clean Hong Ambassadors to help disseminate the message.

Abatement of Sanitary Nuisances

Accumulation of refuse, choked or defective plumbing systems, water dripping from air-conditioners, and water seepage inside private premises are common sanitary nuisances. To tackle these problems, the FEHD issues statutory notices that require abatement of the nuisance. Prosecution will be initiated against those who fail to comply with the notice within a specified period. During the year, the department issued 1 414 statutory notices and 49 prosecutions were initiated.

Pest Control

Prevention of vector-borne and rodent-borne diseases is an important task of the FEHD. The methodology used in pest control is continuously reviewed to enhance effectiveness and efficacy. Anti-rodent and anti-mosquito campaigns were mounted throughout Hong Kong during the year.

Cemeteries and Crematoria

As land is a limited resource in the HKSAR, it is the Government's policy to encourage cremation of the dead. Normally, human remains buried in public cemeteries have to be exhumed after six years and either cremated or reinterred in an urn cemetery.

The FEHD operates six government crematoria and 11 public cemeteries, and oversees the management of 28 private cemeteries.

Food and Other Trade Licensing

The FEHD is the authority responsible for the licensing of food businesses and the issuing of permits for the sale of restricted foods including frozen confections, sushi and sashimi. It also issues licences to places of public entertainment such as theatres, cinemas and entertainment machine centres. In addition, it issues trade licences for commercial bathhouses and offensive trades as well as for private swimming pools. The FEHD also provides support to the Liquor Licensing Board, which is an