The minutes were confirmed on 18 December 2018 without amendment.
Minutes of the Fifth Meeting of Yuen Long District Council in 2018
Date : 30 October 2018 (Tuesday)
Time : 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Venue : Conference Room, Yuen Long District Council, 13/F., Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long
Present Time of Arrival Time of Withdrawal Chairman: Mr SHUM Ho-kit, JP (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Vice-chairman: Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Members: Mr CHAM Ka-hung, Daniel, (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) BBS, MH, JP Ms CHAN Mei-lin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr CHAN Sze-ching (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam (Beginning of the meeting) (2:15 p.m.) Mr CHING Chan-ming (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr CHOW Wing-kan (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr KWOK Hing-ping (Beginning of the meeting) (2:00 p.m.) Mr LAI Wai-hung (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms LAU Kwai-yung (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) The Hon LEUNG Che-cheung, (Beginning of the meeting) (10:00 a.m.) SBS, MH, JP Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen (9:45 a.m.) (2:50 p.m.) Mr LEUNG Ming-kin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr LUI Kin, MH (12:45 p.m.) (End of the meeting) The Hon LUK Chung-hung, JP (Beginning of the meeting) (12:40 p.m.) Ms MA Shuk-yin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr MAK Ip-sing (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr MAN Kwong-ming (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (1:00 p.m.) Mr TANG Cheuk-him (Beginning of the meeting) (2:15 p.m.) Mr TANG Cheuk-yin (Beginning of the meeting) (12:00 noon) Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr TANG Ho-nin (Beginning of the meeting) (2:15 p.m.) Mr TANG Ka-leung (Beginning of the meeting) (1:00 p.m.) Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr TO Ka-lun (9:55 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Mr TSANG Shu-wo (Beginning of the meeting) (1:00 p.m.) Mr WONG Cheuk-kin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms WONG Wai-ling (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr YIU Kwok-wai (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr YOUNG Ka-on (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting)
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Ms YUEN Man-yee (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting)
Secretary: Mr KONG Kwok-piu, Bill Senior Executive Officer (District Council), Yuen Long District Office Assistant Ms WONG Man-ting, Executive Officer I (District Council), Secretary: Mandy Yuen Long District Office
In Attendance Mr YUEN Ka-lok, Enoch, JP District Officer (Yuen Long) Mr NG Lak-sun, Nixon Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long) 1 Ms POON Wai-yi, Joanna Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long) 2 Mr CHAN Hon-kwan, Harris Senior Liaison Officer (Rural), Yuen Long District Office Ms CHEUNG Lai-wa, Senior Liaison Officer (Town), Yuen Long Michelle District Office Mr LAM Chi-keung, Desmond Chief Engineer/West 1, Civil Engineering and Development Department Ms KEE Wing-yin, Fionn Chief School Development Officer (Yuen Long), Education Bureau Mr CHEUNG Pui-chung District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Yuen Long), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Mr LEE Wai-man District Commander (Yuen Long), Hong Kong Police Force Mr LEUNG Tsz-kin District Operations Officer (Yuen Long District), Hong Kong Police Force Mr WONG Wing-hung, Chief Manager/Management (Tuen Mun and Stephen Yuen Long), Housing Department Ms CHAN Ching-han, Pearl District Lands Officer/Yuen Long (District Lands Office, Yuen Long) (Atg.), Lands Department Mr NG Ping-tong, Gordon Administrative Assistant/Lands (District Lands Office, Yuen Long), Lands Department Mr WONG Shu-yan, Francis Chief Leisure Manager (New Territories North), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr NG Yuk-man, David District Planning Officer (Tuen Mun and Yuen Long West), Planning Department Ms CHU Wing-yin, Diana District Social Welfare Officer (Yuen Long), Social Welfare Department Mr KWONG Ka-yin Chief Transport Officer/New Territories North West, Transport Department
Item II and III Dr CHUI Tak-yi, JP Under Secretary for Food and Health, Food and Health Bureau Mr LAW Sun-on, Gilford Principal Assistant Secretary for Food and Health (Food)2, Food and Health Bureau Ms CHEUNG Hoi-ying, Irene Assistant Secretary for Food and Health (Food)7, Food and Health Bureau Mr WONG Fuk-loi, David, JP Deputy Director of Food and Environmental
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Hygiene (Administration and Development), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Mr CHAN Kwok-wai, Damian Assistant Director (Market Special Duties), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Mr LEE Cheuk-ming, Tony Chief Project Manager 301, Architectural Services Department Mr LI Ho-kin Senior Project Co-ordination Manager (1), Architectural Services Department Mr WU Kin-kwong Project Co-ordination Manager (1), Architectural Services Department Mr CHOW Bing-kay Senior Engineer/North West, Transport Department
Item IV Mr CHAN Tze-ho Chief Engineer/West4, Civil Engineering and Development Department Ms HO Wing-yin, Winnie Senior Engineer/11 (West), Civil Engineering and Development Department Mr NG Man-yu, Mike Assistant Secretary (Planning)4, Development Bureau Mr LI Hok-lai, Matthew Engineer/Special Duties 1, Transport Department Mr CHING Sai-hung Director, Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited Mr LEE Kam-sang Technical Director, Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited Ms Theresa YEUNG Director (Planning), Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd
Items V to IX Ms KO Wan-yee, Florence Head of Tree Management Office, Development Bureau Ms CHEUNG Wai-ying, Assistant Secretary (Tree Management) 3, Olivia Development Bureau Mr MA Sen-ching Senior Engineer/Yuen Long, Drainage Department Mr CHENG Wing-kit Division Commander (New Territories North), Fire Services Department Mr TAI Ho-yeung Station Commander Yuen Long Fire Station, Fire Services Department Mr WONG Wai-kwong Senior Maintenance Engineer/North West, Highways Department
Absence The Hon KWONG Chun-yu Mr KWOK Keung, MH Absent with apologies Mr SIU Long-ming, MH Absent with apologies Mr TANG Lai-tung Absent with apologies Mr TANG Sui-man Absent with apologies
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Opening Remarks
The Chairman welcomed Members and departmental representatives to the fifth meeting of the Yuen Long District Council (“YLDC”) in 2018.
2. The Chairman extended a particular welcome to the newly appointed Chief Transport Officer/New Territories North West of the Transport Department, Mr KWONG Ka-yin, who succeeded Mr HUE Ka-yiu, Daniel. On behalf of the YLDC, he thanked Mr HUI for his past assistance to the DC.
3. The Chairman welcomed the following departmental representative to the meeting:
Lands Department District Lands Officer/Yuen Long (Atg.) Ms CHAN Ching-han, Pearl (District Lands Office, Yuen Long) (Stood in for Ms CHAN Suet-ching, Angela, District Lands Officer/Yuen Long (District Lands Office, Yuen Long))
4. The Chairman welcomed teachers and students from Yuen Long Po Kok Primary School to observe the meeting.
5. As for the agenda, the Chairman recommended dealing with Item II, “proposed construction of a new market in Tin Shui Wai” and Item III, “timely construction of Tin Shui Wai Market which should also accommodate a cooked food market and Government offices” together as both were about the proposed construction of a new public market in Tin Shui Wai.
6. Also, as the following items were related to the Government’s typhoon measures in face of Mangkhut, the Chairman suggested that the five agenda items be dealt with together. They were Item V, “the Government's preparations, emergency response and recovery efforts arising from Super Typhoon Mangkhut in Yuen Long District”, Item VI, “suggestion to review the recovery work arising from typhoons and other adverse weather conditions”, Item VII, “review on the Government’s recovery planning and arrangements after typhoon disasters”, Item VIII, “suggestion that the Government set up a task force to deal with typhoons and emergencies” and the motion under Item IX, “The Yuen Long District Council expresses heartfelt gratitude and recognition to the Government departments in Yuen Long, in particular the outstanding civil service teams in the Yuen Long District Office, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Leisure and Cultural Services Department for delivering dedicated people-based service in the face of the unprecedented recovery work after Typhoon Mangkhut. Engaging numerous resident volunteers who rendered unfailing support in the relief work has been an exemplary example of cooperation between the Government and the community. Moreover, the Yuen Long District Council urges the Special Administrative Region Government to increase resources and keep on the long-established inter-departmental collaboration to expedite the restoration of damaged facilities, removal of fallen trees and broken branches, digging of tree pits of greater depths and replanting of quality trees so that the community will recover in a timely manner.”
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7. The Chairman suggested that the six issues proposed for discussion by Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH be referred to the Traffic and Transport Committee (“T&TC”), namely “to exempt franchised buses and residents’ service coaches from tunnel tolls and encourage bus companies to reduce bus fares and increase runs for public benefits”, “revitalisation of the cycling entry/exit hub to add elements of integrating pets into the neighbourhood and a bazaar”, “protest against the exclusion of Tai Lam Tunnel from the list of tunnels exempting buses from tolls”, “review on the effectiveness of Universal Accessibility Programme implemented in Yuen Long District”, “the follow-up on the far-reaching adverse effects of shared bicycles” and “imminent construction of the Northern Link project”.
8. For “encouraging high-rise building roof owners to install Solar Photovoltaic Systems” proposed for discussion by Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH and “requesting the District Lands Office to address the problem of unauthorised banners” proposed for discussion by Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr TO Ka-lun and the Hon KWONG Chun-yu, the Chairman suggested referring them to the Environmental Improvement Committee (“EIC”).
9. Regarding the two issues proposed for discussion by Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr TO Ka-lun and the Hon KWONG Chun-yu, namely “the waiting time for installing village lights under application” and “suspected abuse of the name and emblem of the YLDC”, the Chairman suggested that these issues be referred to the Town Planning and Development Committee (“TP&DC”) and Finance Committee (“FC”) respectively. He also suggested that the issue proposed for discussion by these five Members, i.e. “a request that the DC co-opted member system be abolished”, be referred to the YLDC Working Group on Yuen Long District Council Standing Orders.
10. Mr KWOK Hing-ping enquired whether the department would construct a new market in Tin Shui Wai after listening to Members’ views on the proposal. He hoped the department would withdraw the agenda item if the project would not be implemented.
11. The Chairman said the department would brief the DC on the two design options for the new market to seek its views. He said that there would be a more detailed discussion on the new market after the briefing.
12. Members raised no objection to the agenda.
Item I: Confirmation of the minutes of the fourth YLDC Meeting in 2018 13. The minutes of the fourth meeting of the YLDC in 2018 were confirmed.
Item II: Proposed construction of a new market in Tin Shui Wai (YLDC Paper No. 71/2018)
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Item III: Question from DC Member: Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH proposed to discuss “timely construction of Tin Shui Wai Market which should also accommodate a cooked food market and Government offices” (YLDC Paper No. 72/2018) 14. The Chairman invited Members to take note of Paper No. 71, which was a brief to Members by the Food and Health Bureau, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Architectural Services Department on the proposed site of the new market in Tin Shui Wai. Members’ views were sought on the two design options. Members were also invited to refer to Paper No. 72, which was an issue proposed for discussion by Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH, i.e. timely construction of Tin Shui Wai Market which should also accommodate a cooked food market and Government offices. The Chairman asked Members to refer to FEHD’s reply.
15. The Chairman welcomed the following representatives to the meeting:
Food and Health Bureau (“FHB”) Under Secretary for Food and Health Dr CHUI Tak-yi, JP Principal Assistant Secretary for Food and Health Mr LAW Sun-on, Gilford (Food) 2 Assistant Secretary for Food and Health (Food) 7 Ms CHEUNG Hoi-ying, Irene
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (“FEHD”) Deputy Director of Food and Environmental Mr WONG Fuk-loi, David, JP Hygiene (Administration and Development) Assistant Director (Market Special Duties) Mr CHAN Kwok-wai, Damian District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent Mr CHEUNG Pui-chung (Yuen Long)
Architectural Services Department (“ArchSD”) Chief Project Manager 301 Mr LEE Cheuk-ming, Tony Senior Project Co-ordination Manager Mr LI Ho-kin Project Co-ordination Manager (1) Mr WU Kin-kwong
Transport Department (“TD”) Senior Engineer/North West Mr CHOW Bing-kay
Planning Department (“PlanD”) District Planning Officer (Tuen Mun and Yuen Mr NG Yuk-man, David Long West)
16. Dr CHUI Tak-yi, JP and Mr David WONG briefed Members on the proposed site and the two design options, i.e. road decking and station square options, of the new public market in Tin Shui Wai. Mr Tony LEE introduced the concepts, merits and challenges of the two design options.
17. Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH hoped that following the submission of a letter jointly signed by him and other Members of Tin Shui Wai expressing their urge for the timely delivery of the new market project, the Under Secretary would give a positive response to Members’ views. Over the
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years, Members had called for a new market in Tin Shui Wai. He hoped that it would curb price increase brought about by the high prices in markets under the Link Asset Management Limited (“Link”). Under the station square option, a traffic management plan would be implemented where only buses and vehicles heading to the proposed market were allowed to run through Tin Fuk Road. According to estimation, around 8 400 vehicles would be diverted to Tin Yiu Road, Tin Wu Road and Tin Shing Road every day. He opined that this option was infeasible as the arrangement would lead to traffic gridlock in Tin Shui Wai. On the other hand, the road decking option, though not the best option, was considered acceptable as it could satisfy the demand of the public and Members. He put forward a total of ten recommendations as follows: (1) retaining the road for use by residents’ coaches, taxis and private cars under the road decking option; (2) increasing the number of stalls from 80 to 160; (3) optimising roof space and providing restaurants to make facilities more diversified; (4) expediting works progress and subsequent to endorsement of the plan at the meeting, refining the design and seeking LegCo funding in 2019 so that the project could be completed three years later; (5) updating the DC with the latest construction cost of the new market; (6) adding a storey to provide a cooked food centre and community services such as child care; (7) linking the West Rail Tin Shui Wai Station with the market entrance on the same level so as to increase the space of the new market; (8) constructing an additional government market complex in Tin Shui Wai Central and North; (9) offering concessionary rent to licensed itinerant hawkers as an incentive for them to surrender their licences in exchange for renting stalls in the market at concessionary rates to abate their nuisance to the residents; and (10) providing free shuttle bus service for residents in Tin Shui Wai Central and North to the new market. He said he and Mr LEUNG Che-cheung, the Vice-chairman, Mr LUI Kin, Ms CHIU Sau-hang, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr SIU Long-ming, Ms WONG Wai-ling, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr KWOK Keung, Mr WONG Cheuk-kin, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Ms YUEN Man-yee, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, local women’s organisations and community organisers all hoped that the department would heed the above recommendations, enhance the road decking option and expedite the works. They also called for setting up public markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North respectively.
18. Mr Daniel CHAM, BBS, MH, JP supported the construction of a new market at Tin Fuk Road, considering that the innovative design of a market by decking the road could be used as a model for future community facilities and hence an alternative to solve the housing problem. He supported the road decking option because it was impractical to close two carriageways under the station square option. Tin Fuk Road was the trunk road linking Tin Shui Wai East and West. Closing the carriageways would lead to traffic congestion and increase traffic time. Diverting vehicles to Tin Yiu Road, Tin Wu Road and Tin Shing Road would not only worsen the congestion problem but also lengthen the crossing time of pedestrians. In his opinion, the department could consider increasing the floor area and number of stalls in the new market. It was also hoped that the works would be carried out as soon as possible, and construction cost be made available to the DC.
19. Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH said that as a Tin Shui Wai North DC Member, she thought building a market in Tin Shui Wai Central would bring convenience to the residents. However, to avoid delayed construction of a new market in the district, she would accept the present site but at the same time, she would continue to press ahead a public market in Tin Shui Wai North. The road decking option, in her opinion, was more desirable. To solve the traffic jam in the district, Members suggested that the road be widened in the T&TC. In spite of this, the department proposed permanent closure of carriageways under the station square option, which would bring catastrophic implications to the local traffic. Besides, she called on the department to speed up the construction of the new market and provide the DC with the construction cost. This would avoid
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delay in works because of high construction cost at a later stage.
20. Mr CHOW Wing-kan said while Members had given suggestions on how to optimise space such as constructing underground car parks in different occasions, he considered the road decking option innovative and preferable. Regarding this option, he proposed additional storeys to increase space and facilities. He opined that the additional storeys would not create wall effect. He pointed out that with the closure of carriageways under the station square option, traffic at Tin Yiu Road, Tin Wu Road and Tin Fuk Road would be paralysed, especially when the traffic in Tin Shui Wai was very congested during morning hours. He estimated that the closure of carriageways would increase the traffic time by about 15 minutes on these three roads with five traffic lights, suggesting that the option was not feasible. He hoped that more people would be attracted to use the market by enhancing the road decking option and increasing the number of stalls.
21. Mr KWOK Hing-ping asked whether the department would withdraw the proposal to construct the new market if some organisations offered their views on the construction cost. He opined that a ground-level market would be convenient to the elderly, and would suggest the department to construct a subway instead of closing the carriageways.
22. Mr Ronnie TANG said the innovative road decking design deserved commendation. However, the market of smaller size without incorporating a car park would not play the role of a leading market. He suggested that an underground car park be provided at the new market for the convenience of people who drove there. Moreover, given the innovative design by the ArchSD, he enquired whether it was feasible to construct facilities over the decked nullah in Yuen Long.
23. Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen said Members had been pursuing the construction of a public market in Tin Shui Wai over the years. Apart from the residents in Tin Shui Wai, those in nearby villages had longed for the new market for many years. He hoped the department would listen to Members’ views on the new market and enhance its design. Taking into account the population growth after the Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area (“HSKNDA”) was completed, he suggested the department make long-term planning to construct the new market as a leading market in the district that would bring convenience to the residents without affecting traffic.
24. Ms MA Shuk-yin said she welcomed the Tin Fuk Road site for the new market, remarking that she had sought for a public market from the department since 2011. She proposed that the number of stalls be increased to at least 160, saying that the residents were highly concerned about the department’s design options. She supported the road decking option and suggested that the department consider a cooked food centre and community facilities be incorporated in the new market project. Furthermore, she enquired about the department’s action in response to her concern over the noise nuisance to residents of Tin Yiu Estate and Tin Yau Court when the works were carried out. She hoped the department would inform the DC of the design details and construction cost.
25. Ms WONG Wai-ling said she welcomed that the new market site had been finalised, stressing that Members had been asking for a public market in Tin Shui Wai over the years. By monopolising the markets in Tin Shui Wai, the Link initiated regular market renovation or removal
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that might lead to an increase in prices. Therefore, the new market would help suppress the prices and bring convenience to residents. Between the two design options, she was in favour of the road decking option and considered that closing the carriageways under the station square option not feasible. She enquired the department about the feasibility of constructing the new market together with a car park to cater for residents who drove and solve the problem of insufficient parking spaces in the district. In addition, Tin Sau Bazaar having more than 180 stalls was not a formal market that could compete against the Link’s markets. Therefore, she hoped that in the long run, the authorities would consider providing a public market in Tin Shui Wai North.
26. Mr MAK Ip-sing said the market site was suitable. He supported the road decking option because it would accommodate residents’ needs without having to close the carriageways. Referring to YOHO Midtown which was built above the train station, he viewed the road decking option technically feasible. Also, he pointed out that a market was required for every 150 000 persons in the urban planning guidelines. There should be two markets in Tin Shui Wai with a population of 300 000. The new market at Tin Fuk Road would only serve a population of 200 000 in the district, which meant that it could not satisfy the needs of all residents. He suggested that a temporary market be set up, an example of which was to enhance Tin Sau Bazaar into a temporary market.
27. Mr MAN Kwong-ming said he supported the proposed market site, but the department had to expedite the works. He reflected that the information provided on the paper was insufficient. The views of the design drawings on Annexes 2 and 3 were inconsistent, making it difficult for Members to comment. He supported the road decking option but the department had to take into account traffic arrangements for waste disposal and loading and unloading of goods. He hoped the department would provide more information for Members’ reference.
28. Ms LAU Kwai-yung said she supported the road decking option between the two options. However, 70% of the respondents of the questionnaire survey on the new market site reflected that the location was undesirable. To residents in Tin Shui Wai North, the distance to Tin Fuk Road was comparable to that to the public market in Yuen Long Town. Despite the department’s plan to turn the new market at Tin Fuk Road into a leading market in the district, the number of stalls would be 80 to 100, fewer than Tai Kiu Market housing around 300 stalls. She said the living habits of the residents had to be considered. Given that most market stalls were closed after working hours, a market without cooked food centre could not cater for residents’ needs. She was also concerned about the effect of suppressing prices by building a new market. As the closure of two carriageways would lead to traffic congestion, she said the station square option was unacceptable.
29. Mr YIU Kwok-wai hoped the department would listen to the views of the residents in Tin Shui Wai North, who considered the location of the new market undesirable, and suggested a new public market in Tin Shui Wai North. He also enquired whether there would be free shuttle bus from Tin Shui Wai North to the public market at Tin Fuk Road. Ever since the location of the Tin Shui Wai public market was announced in the Policy Address, the department had never consulted the Members of Tin Shui Wai North, nor did it brief residents on the proposal in the community, showing that the department had not paid due regard to people’s views. Under the road decking option, the number of stalls was rather small. Besides, he was concerned that the construction cost which was not made available would be too high and resulted in the withdrawal of the project when
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funding application to the LegCo was made, same as the case of the elevated pedestrian corridor in Yuen Long Town connecting Long Ping Station. As for the station square option, the closure of two carriageways would affect a number of bus routes. Taking 276A as an example, he estimated that its running time in the district would increase from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. He could foresee that traffic congestion problem would be as severe as that in Sheung Shui and remarked the department should review the traffic arrangements.
30. Mr TANG Cheuk-him said the proposed site of the new market was unsatisfactory. According to a survey, 80% of the respondents found the location unsatisfactory, 70% of them said they would not use the market after it was completed. He enquired whether the residents had been consulted on the site. He said the residents in Tin Shui Wai North such as Tin Ching Estate had been looking forward to a public market for many years, but now the market was constructed in Tin Shui Wai South. He opined that a public market in Tin Shui Wai Central would serve more residents. Regarding the station square option, he suggested the department arrange an on-site visit, having estimated that the total traffic time resulting from the closure of two carriageways would increase by 7 minutes or more. Lastly, he requested that an additional market in Tin Shui Wai North be considered.
31. Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS said the road decking option was an exceptionally brilliant idea as the new market, which was connected to the West Rail Station, could cater for residents in Tin Shui Wai, Ping Shan, Ha Tsuen and Lau Fau Shan. Some Members had suggested building government offices together with the new market at the current KMB depot but the construction cost would be higher. Now that the market would be built at Tin Fuk Road adjacent to the West Rail Station, the construction cost would be lower. However, under the design, the number of stalls was only 80, which was so limited that would not bring prices down due to the lack of competition. He suggested doubling the number of stalls and providing a cooked food centre for the convenience of working people.
32. Ms CHAN Mei-lin said the design under the department’s road decking option was innovative. Before, residents of Tin Yiu Estate and Tin Tsz Estate purchased fresh food in Tin Yiu Market but they had to visit Tin Shing Market for fresh products after the Housing Department had divested Tin Yiu Plaza to the Link. In particular, it was inconvenient for elderly residents to take one hour to travel to and from the market for fresh food. She held that the Link, which was not subject to any regulation, was allowed to shut down the market at its will. Now residents of Tin Yiu Estate, Tin Yau Court and Tin Tsz Estate were in favour of the proposed site of the new market. Moreover, she suggested that the department further study on increasing the size of the market and the number of stalls so as to enhance competition, contain prices and provide convenience to residents in Ping Shan and Lau Fau Shan. She also suggested that the department design an enclosed unloading area to prevent noise nuisance from loading and unloading goods to residents. As the construction of a public market in Tin Shui Wai had been pursued for years, she requested that the department finalise the design option and seek funding approval as soon as possible and report to the YLDC on the progress regularly.
33. Mr TANG Ho-nin said if the department was to implement the public market project, it should inform the YLDC of the initiation and completion dates as soon as possible. Otherwise, he was worried that the department would keep stalling and finally shelve the plan on constructing a new market.
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34. Mr TANG Ka-leung supported the proposed site and design of the new market as the land use was optimised. Residents of his constituency, which covered Ha Tsuen, Hung Shui Kiu and Lau Fau Shan, usually purchased fresh food in markets in Yuen Long, increasing the visitor flow in the markets. He believed that constructing the new market at Tin Fuk Road could help alleviate the traffic load in the district. While the department had not yet disclosed the construction cost of the new market, he hoped the market area would be expanded or a cooked food centre would be provided.
35. Mr WONG Cheuk-kin said the Chief Executive had pledged to build a public market in Tin Shui Wai in her election platform and four years had passed until the department finally raised the design options. The intention of constructing a new market was to benefit the public by lowering the price level in the district. In Yuen Long Town, there were four public markets and one private market while there was only one public market in Tin Yan Estate among the five markets in Tin Shui Wai. Moreover, Tin Yan Market had already been contracted out for operation and it was no different from a private market. Given the same population of 300 000, there were around 800 market stalls in Yuen Long Town but fewer than 400 in Tin Shui Wai. Even if the construction of a new market at Tin Fuk Road could add about 100 stalls, a price curb could hardly achieve. The scale of the new market was similar to those of Tin Shui Market, Long Ping Market and Hung Shui Kiu Temporary Market which provided 80, 79 and 87 stalls respectively. Compared to Tai Kiu Market with 371 stalls and Tung Yick Market with 191 stalls, the difference was huge. In view of that, he recommended that the department increase the number of stalls in the new market to 200 and provide public markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North so as to counterbalance the Link’s markets. He also suggested that the department provide free shuttle buses from the Central or North Tin Shui Wai to the new market.
36. Mr Zachary WONG said constructing facilities decking over the road was not an innovative design and he had raised similar suggestions in the past. As a decked-over market was feasible, the department concerned could also build facilities on the decked-over roads or nullah in the future. The station square option was lower in construction cost and would provide 160 stalls but the closure of two lanes was unacceptable. In light of this, he suggested that the department construct a road tunnel at Tin Fuk Road to prevent traffic congestion arising from the lane closure. Having considered the impacts of lane closure under the station square option, residents had chosen the road decking option. Although the department intended to build a new market that could serve residents of the whole Tin Shui Wai and surrounding villages as a leading market in the district, 100 stalls were far from satisfying the needs of residents. Therefore, he suggested that the department consider the provision of at least 160 stalls under the road decking option. He was concerned that delay in works progress would occur if the public market was developed along with a car park, a nursery and other facilities. Therefore, he recommended that the department examine how to expedite the construction of the new market first.
37. The Vice-chairman supported the road decking option. As regards Members’ concern over the small number of stalls, he pointed out that the department intended to adopt a new approach to manage a market with larger stalls. He held that 100 stalls could bring in sufficient competition to contain prices. As the population in Yuen Long District would continue to grow, he believed that the new market at Tin Fuk Road would not be the last in the district. He proposed that the department provide a public market in Yuen Long Town East in the long run to cope with
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the increased population brought by development projects in that area, saying that passageway congestion in Yuen Long Town was caused by the markets along Yuen Long Main Road.
38. Mr TO Ka-lun requested the department to construct the market at Tin Fuk Road promptly.
39. The Hon LUK Chung-hung, JP said that most residents in Tin Shui Wai North considered the proposed site of the public market unsatisfactory because their needs had not been taken into account. He suggested that the department construct a public market in Tin Shui Wai North. He also enquired about the feasibility of providing free shuttle buses to attract residents from Tin Shui Wai North to the public market at Tin Fuk Road. He was concerned that the Light Rail, which was already crowded, would be overloaded after the new market was constructed. Also, he held that 80 stalls were insufficient and the department should build one more storey together with a cooked food centre and some dried food shops. He hoped the department would enhance the communication with residents and listen to their voices so that they would accept the department’s proposal.
40. Mr CHAN Sze-ching said most residents from Tin Shing Court, Tin Yiu Estate, Tin Yau Court and Tin Tsz Estate shopped in Tin Shing Market. The high patronage had led to a rise in prices and rent in the market. Believing a new market at Tin Fuk Road would help curb the price increase, he supported the proposed site. Since tenants of Ping Yan Court and HSKNDA would move in, together with the existing population in Tin Yiu Estate and Tin Yau Court, he doubted whether the 80 stalls could meet the needs of the residents. As one of the signatories of the joint letter, he hoped the requests in the letter would not affect the construction progress of the new market. He opposed building other facilities but would find it more appropriate to increase the number of stalls if there was extra space in the new market. Also, from the planning perspective, the development of Tin Shui Wai stretched from south to north, resulted in the absence of a city centre. Worse still, road planning was chaotic in the district. He hoped the new market would become the city centre of Tin Shui Wai connecting the HSKNDA in order to enhance the planning of the two areas.
41. Dr CHUI Tak-yi, JP thanked Members for their feedback. After gauging DC’s views towards the proposals at this meeting, he learned that most Members supported the road decking option. The bureau had noted and would consider Members’ views and suggestions. It would also continue to heed the opinions of other stakeholders in the district.
42. Mr David WONG, JP gave a consolidated reply as follows:
(1) He thanked Members for their views. There were merits and challenges in both options. The road decking option posed fewer impacts on traffic but the usable area and the number of stalls were restricted by geographical constraints. If this option was adopted, the department would examine whether the number of stalls could increase. Although only around 100 stalls could be provided under this option, the area of rentable stalls had increased by 60% comparing to Tai Kiu Market accommodating more than 300 small stalls. While one third of the stall area in Tai Kiu Market was used for selling non-food dried goods, the new market would mainly
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provide fresh food and had a higher ratio of fresh food stalls;
(2) For the station square option, there would be more stalls with a significantly lower construction cost. The department believed that the option could fulfill the community function of gathering residents;
(3) As regards Members’ enquiry on whether the proposed new market in Hung Shui Kiu would be developed under another works item, the department would continue to take forward both new market projects separately;
(4) In response to Members’ enquiry on whether a road tunnel could be constructed, the department had examined the feasibility with the ArchSD. However, it was not feasible technically; and
(5) The department noted Members’ concern about the works schedule and would finalise the design proposal as soon as possible. He hoped Members would understand some established procedures had to be observed during the pre-construction period, such as carrying out feasibility study and detailed design, and applying for funding. Because of the original design option of the new market, the construction period would take more than three years.
43. As the department responded that constructing a road tunnel beneath the public market was not feasible, Mr Zachary WONG enquired about the causes of technical infeasibility. Given the proposed road diversion under the station square option, he asked departmental representatives to explain why no road tunnel would be built beneath the new market.
44. Ms CHAN Mei-lin said residents had been longing for the new market but the department replied that the construction schedule was yet to be confirmed. She hoped the department would finalise the design proposal so that the works would commence as soon as possible because residents had an imminent need for the new market. She also requested that the department report the progress to the YLDC regularly.
45. Mr YIU Kwok-wai said residents expected the public market to be built in the form of a complex comprising a car park and a cooked food centre. However, residents’ needs for other community facilities were not taken into consideration under the two options. Using Tin Sau Bazaar as an example, residents had some expectations towards the Bazaar before its construction but it had not achieved the desired effects after completion. If the department did not work on the issues in relation to the number of stalls and traffic ancillary facilities, he was worried that the new market would encounter problem similar to that of Tin Sau Bazaar.
46. Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH said he had sought professional advice on the 10 recommendations raised earlier and they were technically feasible. As long as the department considered them further, they could be taken forward. He requested that the new market, which was very important to Tin Shui Wai residents, be constructed expeditiously.
47. Despite the innovative options for the new market, Mr Ronnie TANG did not understand
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why the department did not consider constructing the market together with a car park and a cooked food centre in Central Tin Shui Wai. He suggested that the department could make the market into a leading one by referring to Tai Po Hui Market consisting of a car park.
48. Mr KWOK Hing-ping said the department had not responded to his enquiry on whether the proposal to construct the new market would be dropped if it had faced opposition to the design options or criticism on the exceedingly high construction cost. He enquired whether the department was determined to build the new market.
49. Mr Daniel CHAM, BBS, MH, JP said the new market covered around 60 000 square feet and housed stalls as few as 100. He proposed that the area be increased to 80 000 square feet by extending the deck level. While each stall covered an area of no less than 16 square metres as proposed, some stalls such as soybean product shops did not need to occupy such space. In other words, the new market could accommodate more stalls if some of them were duly downsized. He hoped the department would consider Members’ views but most importantly, the new market should be put in place promptly.
50. Mr TO Ka-lun said most Members had participated in the duty visit to Japan and a report was now available. He suggested that the department refer to Members’ sharings on the visit. To supplement the views of Mr Zachary WONG, who had mentioned constructing a road tunnel beneath the new market was technically unfeasible according to the department, Mr TO said underground excavation works were carried out in Victoria Park and enquired the grounds of not undertaking such works at Tin Fuk Road. He reiterated that the department should expedite the construction of the market at Tin Fuk Road.
51. Dr CHUI Tak-yi, JP thanked Members again for their views. The purpose of attending this meeting was to introduce the merits and challenges of the two design options to Members and seek their feedback. The department would consider Members’ views before proceeding to the next stage of work.
52. The Chairman said at the meeting, he received a motion moved by Mr YIU Kwok-wai, seconded by Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, the Hon LUK Chung-hung, JP and Mr TANG Cheuk-him. The wording of the motion was as follows:
“This Council, having noted Paper No. 71/2018 on the proposed construction of a new market in Tin Shui Wai, requests that a complex with a public market and a cooked food centre be constructed in Tin Shui Wai South, Central and North respectively.”
53. The Chairman said the motion had been well discussed earlier so he recommended no further discussion.
54. Mr Zachary WONG said the motion was about the proposed construction of public markets in the central and northern parts of Tin Shui Wai but the earlier discussion mainly focused on the new market at Tin Fuk Road. As reflected by a Member, it took more than 10 years to fight
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for the construction of a public market in Tin Shui Wai South. He was worried that the works progress of the new market at Tin Fuk Road would be dragged down by the pursuit of constructing public markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North because the time taken would be even longer.
55. The Chairman said Members did not need to discuss the motion but they were welcomed to express their views on his decision.
56. Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH said according to his understanding, the motion was to fight for the construction of public markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North without mentioning any opposition against the department’s design options. Therefore, he supported the motion based on the fact that the construction progress of the new market at Tin Fuk Road would not be hindered.
57. As the construction progress of the new market at Tin Fuk Road would not be affected, Mr TANG Ho-nin proposed including the construction of a market in Kam Tin in the motion.
58. The Vice-chairman said he had submitted a petition for constructing a public market in Yuen Long Town East to the Under Secretary for Food and Health before the meeting. He hoped the proponent would include the construction of a public market in Yuen Long Town East near West Rail Yuen Long Station in the motion so that the needs of residents in both Tin Shui Wai and Yuen Long would be taken care of. He believed that the motion would then gain support from more Members.
59. Mr TO Ka-lun said residents in Fairview Park had been exploited by private operators for years. He proposed constructing a public market on the government land outside Fairview Park.
60. Mr YIU Kwok-wai said Members could have different interpretations on the motion according their own understanding. He supported constructing public markets in different locations in Yuen Long but constructing a public market in Tin Shui Wai was the focus of discussion on the agenda item. Hence, he strived for providing public markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North to balance the needs of Tin Shui Wai residents. He hoped Members would support the motion.
61. In response to a Member’s view that fighting for constructing a market in Tin Shui Wai took 10 years and works progress would be dragged down by the motion, Mr KWOK Hing-ping pointed out that he had been striving for constructing a public market in Tin Shui Wai North but the market site was now at Tin Shui Wai South.
62. The Chairman agreed with the proponent that Members could have their own interpretation of the motion. At this meeting, departmental representatives consulted Members on the proposed site and design options of the public market in Tin Shui Wai. Regardless of whether Members took the motion as objecting to the construction of the public market at Tin Fuk Road and proposing construction of public markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North, or seeking the construction of public markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North following the one at Tin Fuk
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Road, the motion was related to the proposed site of the public market in Tin Shui Wai and that was why he accepted the motion for voting.
63. Mr Zachary WONG indicated that he would like to amend the motion.
64. Mr LUK Chung-hung, JP said amendment to the motion, which was subject to time constraint, should not be accepted when the Council had proceeded to voting.
65. Mr Zachary WONG said the Chairman should have asked Members if they would propose any amendment on the motion after it was accepted.
66. Mr MAK Ip-sing said while he agreed that Members could lobby for construction of public markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North, they should vote on the new market options at Tin Fuk Road before handling the motion tabled at the meeting, because departmental representatives were here to consult Members on the new market at Tin Fuk Road.
67. The Chairman said he had just received an amended motion from Ms CHAN Mei-lin, seconded by Mr Zachary WONG. The amended motion read as follows:
“This Council, having noted Paper No. 71/2018 on the proposed construction of market in Tin Shui Wai, supports the proposed construction of a market in Tin Shui Wai South, but the number of stalls has to be doubled.”
68. Ms LAU Kwai-yung said the above motion, totally different from the original, should not be regarded as an amended motion.
69. The Chairman said after he had received the original motion and proposed no further discussion, Mr Zachary WONG spoke but did not propose any amendment to the motion until he declared that the meeting would vote. The YLDC Standing Orders did not stipulate the timing of proposing an amendment to a motion. By exercising the power conferred by the Standing Orders, the Chairman considered that it was slightly belated to propose an amendment to the original motion after voting was declared. Besides, Mr YIU Kwok-wai did not oppose the construction of a public market in Tin Shui Wai South in his original motion. He said he had reservation towards the site at Tin Fuk Road, and would work towards the construction of public markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North. The Chairman thought that Mr WONG was enlisting support for a public market in Tin Shui Wai South in the proposed amendment, which was contrary to the original motion. The Chairman declared that the amended motion would not be accepted, but other motions in respect of this matter would be accepted.
70. Ms CHAN Mei-lin said she would move another motion.
71. Mr Zachary WONG said right after the Chairman declared the meeting would vote, he
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had moved to amend the motion. Members had not voted by a show of hands. Moreover, the context of the amended motion was not in contrary to the original motion. While the amended motion was to propose the construction of a public market in Tin Shui Wai South, the original motion was about the proposed construction of public markets in Tin Shui Wai South, Central and North. They did not contradict with each other.
72. Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH said that the amended motion proposed that a public market be built in Tin Shui Wai South. He enquired whether Members would not seek to build public markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North if the one in Tin Shui Wai South was completed.
73. The Chairman said the meeting should no longer discuss the amended motion after a decision had been made. Regarding Mr Zachary WONG’s views, the meeting would not vote on the original motion if an amended motion was passed according to the Standing Orders. In this case, Members would not be able to vote on the construction of public markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North, and in response to this, he decided that the amended motion was in contrary to the original motion. The Chairman said he had just received a motion moved by Ms CHAN Mei-lin, seconded by Mr Zachary WONG. The motion read as follows:
“This Council, having noted Paper No. 71/2018 on the proposed construction of a public market in Tin Shui Wai, supports the road decking option in respect of the construction of the market at Tin Fuk Road in Tin Shui Wai.”
74. The Chairman said the motion by Mr YIU Kwok Wai would be handled before another because Mr YIU was the first proponent.
75. The Chairman invited Members to vote on Mr YIU Kwok Wai’s motion by a show of hands and open ballot. Ms CHIU Sau-hang, MH, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Mr LUK Chung-hung, JP, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Mr TANG Ho-nin, Mr Ronnie TANG, Mr TSANG Shu-wo, Mr WONG Cheuk-kin, Ms WONG Wai-ling, Mr YIU Kwok-wai and Ms YUEN Man-yee were in favour of the motion, while Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr TO Ka-lun and Mr Zachary WONG were against it. Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH, Mr TANG Cheuk-yin, Mr TANG Hing-yip, BBS, Mr TANG Ka-leung and Mr YOUNG Ka-on abstained from voting.
76. The Chairman announced there were 18 votes for the motion, 3 votes against it and 7 abstentions. The motion was passed by an absolute majority of votes.
77. The Chairman said the meeting would now vote on the motion moved by Ms CHAN Mei-lin, seconded by Mr Zachary WONG.
78. Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH indicated that he supported the motion based on the context. However, Mr Zachary WONG said he would propose the construction of a public market in Tin Shui Wai South. Members had all along been in favour of pressing ahead the construction of
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public markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North after the one in Tin Shui Wai South was completed, to ensure that the needs of residents in Tin Shui Wai Central and North would not be neglected. Therefore, he hoped Mr Zachary WONG would clarify the contents of the motion.
79. The Chairman said Members could vote on the motion by a show of hands based on their own interpretation and personal preference.
80. Mr Zachary WONG said Mr LEE Yuet-man’s interpretation of the first motion might be different from Mr YIU Kwok-wai’s original intent. The first motion was to request the construction of public markets in Tin Shui Wai South, Central and North, rather than to support building a public market in Tin Shui Wai South first and continue to strive for setting up markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North, which was what Mr LEE Yuet-man had just said. If so, the motion should read “This Council supports the construction of a market in Tin Shui Wai South and further seeks the construction of markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North” according to Mr LEE’s understanding. He clarified that if a public market in Tin Shui Wai South was materialised, he would also request the construction of markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North on the premises that works progress of the market at Tin Fuk Road should not be affected.
81. The Chairman asked Members to vote on the motion by a show of hands and open ballot. Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr TANG Cheuk-yin, Mr TANG Hing-yip, BBS, Mr TANG Ho-nin, Mr TANG Ka-leung, Mr TO Ka-lun, Mr TSANG Shu-wo, Mr WONG Cheuk-kin, Ms WONG Wai-ling, Mr Zachary WONG, Mr YOUNG Ka-on and Ms YUEN Man-yee supported the motion, while Ms CHIU Sau-hang, MH, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr LUK Chung-hung, JP, Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH, Mr TANG Cheuk-him and Mr YIU Kwok-wai abstained from voting.
82. The Chairman declared that there were 20 votes for the motion, 0 vote against it and 7 abstentions. The motion was passed by an absolute majority of votes.
83. The Chairman summed up that Members supported the Government to construct a new market in Tin Shui Wai and welcomed the innovative design proposals. Most of the Members supported the proposed site at Tin Fuk Road and the road decking option. However, they considered that the provision of as few stalls as 100, which would not help curb price increase, was far from desirable. He hoped that departmental representatives would consider an increase in the number of stalls after listening to Members’ views. Besides, Members suggested that ancillary facilities such as cooked food centre, child care centre and car park be incorporated in the new market. While the proposal should be finalised promptly, the department should also inform the DC of the construction cost. Since Tin Shui Wai covered an extensive area of land, it was inconvenient for residents in Tin Shui Wai Central and North to travel a long way to do grocery shopping at the new market at Tin Fuk Road. He hoped that following implementation of the Tin Fuk Road new market project, the department would continue to explore the development of new markets in Tin Shui Wai Central and North. He thanked departmental representatives again for attending the meeting.
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(Post-meeting note: On 13 November 2018, the Secretariat informed FHB, FEHD, ArchSD, TD and PlanD of the passage of two motions in writing.)
Item IV: Studies on the proposed multi-storey buildings for brownfield operations in Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area and Yuen Long (YLDC Paper No. 73/2018) 84. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 73, which was about the progress of the feasibility studies on the proposed multi-storey buildings for brownfield operations in Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area (“HSKNDA”) and Yuen Long by the CEDD. Members’ views were consulted as well.
85. The Chairman welcomed the following representatives to the meeting:
Development Bureau (“DEVB”) Assistant Secretary (Planning)4 Mr NG Man-yu, Mike
Civil Engineer and Development Department (“CEDD”) Chief Engineer/West 4 Mr CHAN Tze-ho Senior Engineer/11 (West) Ms HO Wing-yin, Winnie
Transport Department (“TD”) Engineer/Special Duties 1 Mr LI Hok-lai, Matthew
Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited Director Mr CHING Sai-hung Technical Director Mr LEE Kam-sang
Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd Director (Planning) Ms Theresa YEUNG
86. Mr TSANG Shu-wo said the department neither listened to Members’ views nor had proper planning on the overall traffic networks of Yuen Long District. Therefore, he believed that Members would not discuss the issue.
87. Mr TANG Ka-leung said he, as a YLDC Member, would regard the department’s presentation at this meeting as “piecemeal” introduction of the study progress. He opposed the planning at the HSKNDA during the discussion of the amended proposed outline development plan. As he considered the studies a part of the development plan for HSKNDA, he would not discuss the issue and would oppose the studies.
88. Mr CHING Chan-ming said Members had passed the motions in respect of other development plans when they were discussed. He held that the department should solve the traffic problems before implementing development plans in Yuen Long District. However, the Transport and Housing Bureau (“THB”) had not introduced to Members the planning on transport ancillary facilities regarding the development plan in the District until now. Members would stand against any development plan unless the THB had addressed the transport problems.
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89. The Chairman said Members would not discuss the studies in a “piecemeal” manner as the THB had not made proper transport planning in the District. At the beginning of the meeting, he sought Members’ views on the agenda but no one had opposed discussion on the item. He also pointed out that some Members might want to express their views on the issue. While Members could oppose the studies, according to meeting procedures, it would be inappropriate for him to announce that the discussion on the item be adjourned if Members did not indicate their will to do so in a formal and clear manner. Unless Members moved a motion to adjourn the discussion, he would let Members continue the discussion.
90. Mr KWOK Hing-ping said under the established consultation procedures, the department had to seek views from relevant rural committees about any development plan on rural areas before consulting the YLDC with the endorsement of the rural committees. The department had neither consulted Ha Tsuen Rural Committee nor gained their support. In the past, the YLDC called a halt to the discussion of the development plan because the rural committees had not been consulted. He hoped the Chairman would make a ruling on it.
91. As a convenor of the Working Group on HSKNDA, Mr Daniel CHAM, BBS, MH, JP said six meetings were convened in 2017. At the last meeting of 2017, the department still had not consulted the Working Group on the environmentally-friendly transport system and study report on brownfield sites. He had asked about the progress of the study report on brownfield sites through the Secretariat but no information was available from the department as at March 2018. The department had bypassed the Working Group by submitting the study related to Hung Shui Kiu together with brownfield operations in Yuen Long South to the YLDC for comments.
92. The Chairman thanked Mr Daniel CHAM for his opinion. Since the paper from the department indicated that the studies covered areas other than Hung Shui Kiu, the matter could be discussed at the DC meeting. Unless Members formally decided to adjourn the discussion, he suggested that the representatives brief Members on the paper first. Respecting the powers and responsibilities of the Working Group, he would consider referring the matter in relation to brownfield operations in Hung Shui Kiu to the Working Group for discussion if it was not discussed thoroughly at the meeting.
93. Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS said that Members would not discuss any development plans in Yuen Long unless the department had proper transport planning in the District. This was the principle Members should uphold. Otherwise, the DC could not perform its functions and the public would be disappointed. He said he would not discuss the matter at the meeting.
94. Mr TANG Ho-nin said the department reported to the YLDC without the agreement of the two rural committees and DC Members of the District. He proposed adjourning the discussion.
95. The Chairman said if Members would like to end the discussion, they could move a motion under the DC Standing Orders.
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96. Mr TANG Ho-nin enquired whether verbal motions would be accepted.
97. The Chairman said that a motion had to be moved in written form. It was not a stipulated rule but the common practice that the rural committees be consulted before the YLDC. In response to a Member’s view that the department had not consulted the rural committee on the studies, he recommended that the department explain its communication work with the rural committees.
98. Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH objected to letting departmental representatives speak first.
99. The Chairman clarified that departmental representatives would be invited to respond to an allegation that the department failed to consult the rural committees. They were not asked to brief Members on the paper.
100. Mr CHAN Tze-ho said that the department had consulted the Ping Shan Rural Committee on the study, but the latter replied that it objected to the study and would not arrange any consultation. Also, upon the agreement of the Chairman of the Ha Tsuen Rural Committee, the department had briefed the Committee on the paper. Despite its opposition to the HSKNDA, Ha Tsuen Rural Committee did not express its views on the study.
101. Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS and Mr TANG Ka-leung said they would withdraw from the meeting in protest.
102. Considering the time Members needed for drafting the motion, the Chairman announced that the meeting would be adjourned for 10 minutes.
[The meeting was adjourned for 10 minutes.]
103. The Chairman said that he had received a motion moved by Mr TANG Ho-nin, seconded by Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Mr CHING Chan-ming, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr MAN Kwong-ming, Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH, Mr TANG Hing-yip, BBS, Mr TANG Ka-leung, Mr Ronnie TANG, Mr TSANG Shu-wo and Mr YOUNG Ka-on. The motion read as follows:
“This Council moves a motion to request that the discussion on Item IV be adjourned.”
104. The Chairman said he would accept Members’ motion under Order 24(1) of the Standing Orders.
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105. Members voted on the motion by a show of hands and open ballot. Mr Daniel CHAM, BBS, MH, JP, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Mr CHING Chan-ming, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH, Mr TANG Hing-yip, BBS, Mr TANG Ho-nin, Mr TANG Ka-leung, Mr Ronnie TANG, Mr TO Ka-lun, Mr TSANG Shu-wo, the Vice-chairman Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH, Mr YOUNG Ka-on and Ms YUEN Man-yee supported the motion. Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr LUK Chung-hung, JP, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Mr WONG Cheuk-kin and Mr YIU Kwok-wai abstained from voting.
106. The Chairman announced that there were 21 votes for the motion, 0 vote against it and 5 abstentions. The motion was passed by an absolute majority of votes.
107. The Chairman concluded that based on his understanding, Members proposing the motion did not object to the studies. Instead, they considered that the department had not put forward satisfactory proposals in response to Members’ views during previous discussions on HSKNDA. He hoped the department would listen to the views of Members, particularly those on traffic, and offered new proposals so that Members could look into the development of brownfield operations. According to the meeting procedures, the issue would not be discussed at this meeting. Members could express their views, if any, to the department in writing. The Chairman thanked departmental representatives and the consultants for attending the meeting.
(Post-meeting note: On 13 November 2018, the Secretariat informed DEVB, CEDD, TD, Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited and Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd about the motion endorsed by Members.)
Item V: The Government’s preparations, emergency response and recovery efforts arising from Super Typhoon Mangkhut in Yuen Long District (YLDC Paper No. 77/2018)
Item VI: Question from DC Members: Mr SHUM Ho-kit, JP, Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Mr CHING Chan-ming, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Mr MAN Kwong-ming, Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH, Mr TANG Cheuk-yin, Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS, Mr TANG Ho-nin, Mr TANG Ka-leung, Mr TANG Lai-tung, Mr TANG Sui-man, Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie, Mr TSANG Shu-wo and Mr YOUNG Ka-on proposed to discuss “suggestion to review the recovery work arising from typhoons and other adverse weather conditions” (YLDC Paper No. 74/2018)
Item VII: Question from DC Member: Mr CHAM Ka-hung, Daniel, BBS, MH, JP proposed to discuss “review on the Government’s recovery planning and arrangements after typhoon disasters” (YLDC Paper No. 75/2018)
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Item VIII: Question from DC Members: Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr TO Ka-lun and the Hon KWONG Chun-yu proposed to discuss “suggestion that the Government set up a task force to deal with typhoons and emergencies” (YLDC Paper No. 76/2018)
Item IX: Motion from DC Members: The following motion was moved by Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH and seconded by Mr LEUNG Che-cheung, SBS, MH, JP, Mr LUK Chung-hung, JP, Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH, Mr TSANG Shu-wo, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr TANG Sui-man, Mr LUI Kin, MH, Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH, Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Mr WONG Cheuk-kin, Mr CHAM Ka-hung, Daniel, BBS, MH, JP, Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr SIU Long-ming, MH, Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Ms YUEN Man-yee, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Mr CHING Chan-ming, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Mr MAN Kwong-ming and Mr YOUNG Ka-on: “The Yuen Long District Council expresses heartfelt gratitude and recognition to the Government departments in Yuen Long, in particular the outstanding civil service teams in the Yuen Long District Office, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Leisure and Cultural Services Department for delivering dedicated people-based service in the face of the unprecedented recovery work after Typhoon Mangkhut. Engaging numerous resident volunteers who rendered unfailing support in the relief work has been an exemplary example of cooperation between the Government and the community. Moreover, the Yuen Long District Council urges the Special Administrative Region Government to increase resources and keep on the long-established inter-departmental collaboration to expedite the restoration of damaged facilities, removal of fallen trees and broken branches, digging of tree pits of greater depths and replanting of quality trees so that the community will recover in a timely manner.” (YLDC Paper No. 89/2018) 108. The Chairman suggested Members discuss issues under Item V to IX together, and referred them to Paper No. 77 for the details of various Government departments’ preparations, emergency response and recovery efforts arising from Super Typhoon Mangkhut in Yuen Long District. The Chairman also invited Members to note Paper Nos. 74 to 76 and No. 89, which contained the questions and motions raised by a number of Members regarding the efforts made by the Government to cope with the typhoon.
109. The Chairman welcomed the following representatives of the Government bureaus and departments to the meeting to respond to Members’ enquiries:
Development Bureau (“DEVB”) Head of Tree Management Office Ms KO Wan-yee, Florence Assistant Secretary (Tree Management) 3 Ms CHEUNG Wai-ying, Olivia
Drainage Services Department (“DSD”) Senior Engineer/Yuen Long Mr MA Sen-ching
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Fire Services Department (“FSD”) Division Commander (New Territories North) Mr CHENG Wing-kit Station Commander (Yuen Long Fire Station) Mr TAI Ho-yeung
Highways Department (“HyD”) Senior Maintenance Engineer/Northwest Mr WONG Wai-kwong
Education Bureau (“EDB”) Chief School Development Officer (Yuen Long) Ms KEE Wing-yin, Fionn
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (“FEHD”) District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent Mr CHEUNG Pui-chung (Yuen Long)
Housing Department (“HD”) Chief Manager / Estate Management Mr WONG Wing-hung, Stephen
Lands Department (“LandsD”) District Lands Officer (Acting) (District Lands Ms CHAN Ching-han, Peggy Office, Yuen Long)
Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”) Chief Leisure Manager (New Territories North) Mr WONG Shu-yan, Francis
Hong Kong Police Force (“HKPF”) District Commander (Yuen Long) Mr LEE Wai-man
Social Welfare Department (“SWD”) District Social Welfare Officer (Yuen Long) Ms CHU Wing-yin, Diana
Transport Department (“TD”) Chief Transport Officer (NT North West) Mr KWONG Ka-yin
110. Mr Zachary WONG commended various Government departments for their best endeavours to cope with the super typhoon. In particular, the FSD stepped up removal of typhoon-felled trees that posed hazards to the public. However, he pointed out the typhoon also exposed a lack of inter-departmental co-ordination and emergency response as some of fallen trees left on pavements and roads after being cut off had not been removed. He said the Government should work more closely with environmental protection groups to allow the public to take away wood logs from fallen trees free of charge as they wished - many of which were valuable - rather than disposing of them at landfills. The typhoon alerted the Government to the need to improve its coordination and response capabilities. He suggested the Government set up a task force dedicated to dealing with typhoons and emergencies so that important decisions could be made apace, streets could be cleaned up expeditiously and public transport arrangements could be devised properly, in the event of any more super typhoons slamming into the city.
111. Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS said the Government could learn from the experience of dealing with the typhoon and conduct a review. He thanked all Government departments for their
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dedication in performing their duties during the typhoon, and in particular the FSD for addressing emergency problems for the public during the difficult period. He also thanked the District Officer of Yuen Long District and the District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Yuen Long) of the FEHD for their assistance during the typhoon. While the District Office of Yuen Long (“YLDO”) gathered and referred the public’s assistance requests before the onset of the typhoon, the FEHD cleared debris and refuse from the streets in the aftermath of the typhoon. However, he hoped the Government would deploy extra manpower to clear waste heaps lying unattended on the streets and hazardous hanging branches in remote rural areas.
112. Mr TANG Cheuk-him commended Government departments for their endeavour to cope with the typhoon. He also praised security guards at some housing estates for their dedication by extending their working hours during the tough time. However, he called on departmental representatives at the meeting to have the disused articles accumulated at Vianni Cove, a housing state of Tin Shui Wai North, removed in a timely manner. He also said that he had relayed to the YLDO the fact that some metal roof sheets of a footbridge in the vicinity of Tin Ching Estate had been blown away during the typhoon, while at the same time thanking the Office for assisting in performing large amounts of follow-up work. He hoped the authorities would clear up rubbish and objects in all districts expeditiously.
113. Ms LAU Kwai-yung commended Government departments for their efforts to cope with the typhoon, with many frontline staff working overtime to provide assistance. She pointed out that there had been tree-falling incidents in all districts after the typhoon, not only causing traffic disruption and public inconvenience but also putting people’s safety at risk. She thanked many members of the public for forming volunteer teams to assist in the post-typhoon recovery work, while at the same time thanking the Assistant District Officer of the YLDO, the District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Yuen Long) and the District Leisure Manager (Yuen Long) for working hand in hand with volunteers in clearing fallen trees and wilted branches in a spirit of Government-community cooperation. However, she also pointed out that a cigarette butt discarded on the roadside with fallen trees and wilted branches piled up for half a month could cause a fire. She called on the authorities to properly deal with the recovery work, quickly get the city back in shape and ensure smooth traffic flow.
114. Mr MAN Kwong-ming said the Government had taken all precautionary measures and conducted all preparation work before the typhoon, but the progress of the recovery work fell short of expectations. He gave credit to the performance of FEHD, YLDO and FSD, but said the problem was that large numbers of fallen trees and dead branches had not been cleared up from rural areas. The problem might have been resolved long ago if the Government had coordinated the work of its departments competently. He learnt the news that the FEHD hoped to extend staff working hours for removal of fallen trees but the Environmental Protection Department (“EPD”) failed to cooperate, citing this as an example of a lack of inter-departmental cooperation. He said the Government should convene a meeting to review the handling of the typhoon and expeditiously remove fallen trees and dead branches remaining on highways as they compromised drivers’ safety. He also suggested the use of wood shredders to accelerate the pace of clearance. On the other hand, he had reflected to the HyD that trees along Route 3 had overgrown, but the department did not cut or prune them based on relevant guidelines. He said the HyD should seriously review the matter, saying that it might have overlooked the problem that overgrown trees could be easily torn off by strong winds.
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115. Ms WONG Wai-ling said the typhoon caused extensive damage to facilities and trees during its onslaught on Hong Kong, and affected daily activities of the public. She said the large trunks of some fallen trees in Tin Wah Estate had not been cleared up pending disposal by landscaping contractors engaged by the HD after the estate management company was unable to handle them. She suggested the YLDO conduct on-site inspections and then provide a list of places in need of clean-up for responsible departments to follow up apace, lest the public complained and departments shifted responsibilities. She also said that priority should be accorded to improving communication and coordination among departments to restore the public’s confidence in the Government.
116. Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen said the fact that Hong Kong managed to keep the impact of typhoon to a minimum was down to the vigilance of relevant Government departments and organisations. The YLDO, FEHD and FSD provided prompt support after the passage of typhoon, while some members of the community and volunteers rendered assistance to clear refuse and fallen trees piling on the streets. However, he hoped the Tree Management Office (“TMO”) would step up inspections as some large-sized fallen trees and dead branches should be removed first. He suggested the Government set up a professional team to handle tree matters as Hong Kong had over-relied on contractors to do the job. He said trees planted in Hong Kong should be able to withstand strong winds, and that the TMO should be able to coordinate the matter well. He suggested the Government introduce the use of wood shredders designed for large trees to turn them into sawdust for better use by environmental groups or organic farms, in order to forestall the temporary wood waste collection area in the Kai Tak Development Area from reaching full capacity.
117. Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH said a cyclone disaster could be dealt with in four stages, namely, warning, rescue, recovery and restoration. He commended the Government for reminding the public to take precautions and enhance their crisis awareness before the onset of typhoon. He said that the public was in the urgent need of Government support in the week after the onslaught of typhoon, which was the prime time for providing emergency relief. Outstanding civil service teams from various Government departments in Yuen Long, especially the YLDO, FEHD and Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”), delivered dedicated, people-based service in the face of the unprecedented recovery work in the typhoon’s wake. They also enlisted the help and support of resident volunteers, making this an exemplary example of cooperation between the Government and the community. He called on the Government to allocate more resources for bringing the community back to normal apace.
118. Mr Ronnie TANG expressed satisfaction with the Government’s pre-typhoon preparations, but many aspects of the recovery work warranted a review. Many trees in Pat Heung toppled and fell during the typhoon because their roots were not firm enough after the area had long been plagued by floods. He said all the Government departments which he had contacted for clearance of fallen trees, except FEHD, shirked responsibilities. However, given the inadequacy of the department’s tools and machines, he carried out the clearance work together with resident volunteers. He said he appreciated the pressure confronting the FEHD. As the temporary wood waste collection area was almost full, he suggested the Government find a vacant site in Yuen Long District for placement of fallen trees and dead branches to speed up the clean-up exercise in the district. He also hoped the Government would coordinate the work for different departments and delineate their duties and scope of authority, so that the public could contact the right ones for help.
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119. Mr KWOK Hing-ping said the Government should review the tree management policy and develop a robust one, saying there was only one TMO team in the northwestern New Territories. He had contacted the LCSD for removal of fallen trees in the district, but it was not until more than a month later that the TMO deployed staff to remove only two fallen trees. Others remained there. He had relayed to the Government that Tin Ying Road in Tin Shui Wai had been overgrown with trees with long branches that would have a direct bearing on driving safety. Although the HyD had pruned the trees along the road before the typhoon, they were blown askew during the typhoon, thus obstructing vehicular traffic. On the other hand, he did not support tree replacement in Tin Shui Wai, citing too many trees in the district, undesirable growing conditions and restricted root space. He also suggested the Government form a joint working group for coordinating tree management matters and consult the EPD on issues pertaining to tree removal.
120. Mr CHOW Wing-kan said the recovery work was nearing completion but the Government should deploy staff to inspect and cut off loosely attached branches that posed hazards. As volunteer teams formed by residents had helped clearance of large quantities of broken branches and wastes brought by the typhoon, he suggested the YLDO keep their contact information and mobilise them in case of any more severe typhoons in future, in order to expedite clearance work. He also said the fact that Government officials visited the community and pitched in for the clean-up efforts would bring positive sentiments and win public recognition. On the other hand, he suggested the Government follow the example of the Shenzhen government by introducing wood shredders in parks for gardeners who took care of tree growth to shred branches chopped off from overgrown canopies into sawdust. He advised the SAR government to also make reference to Zhuhai. During his visit to the mainland city, he found the local government had taken adequate precautions against typhoons by mounting trees there with ropes and iron poles to mitigate damage and losses.
121. Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam said many Members had paid personal visits to the community to help clearance of fallen trees and dead branches while large numbers of residents joined hands in removing fallen trees blocking traffic flow. Before the advent of the typhoon, all Government departments appeared vigilant and fully-prepared and urged the public to take precautionary measures. In the wake of the typhoon, the public understood the extensive damage caused by the typhoon and thus exercised patience awaiting removal of wastes, such as fallen trees and broken branches, and they hoped the cleansing exercise could be completed earlier. He commended the FEHD for its efforts of deploying manpower to clear fallen trees blocking traffic flow although some of cleansing work was not under their purview, while he also commended the FSD for helping the removal of fallen trees. The YLDO also provided a hotline for Members and residents to report tree-falling incidents. However, although the Government had expected the typhoon to be very powerful, it was obvious that its preparedness for the post-typhoon response and recovery work had been inadequate because the Government should have set up a taskforce in each of the 18 districts to coordinate recovery duties for all Government departments. He said the Government should revise the issues.
122. Mr Daniel CHAM, BBS, MH, JP gave credit to the Government for taking sufficient precautions against the typhoon and urging the public to do the same, so as to avoid the loss of life or serious injuries. He said the YLDO, FEHD, LCSD and FSD crews deserved commendation for demonstrating the spirit of cooperation between the Government and the community and of mutual
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assistance by forming volunteer teams with members of the public to clear downed trees on roads. However, the traffic gridlock after the typhoon caused travel delays for commuters trying to make their way to work. He said the Government should have gained an understanding of the situations of the typhoon, roads and railways and then announced the early morning after the passage of typhoon a day off work for non-emergency-service civil servants while at the same time encouraging employers to follow suit by giving a day off work for employees who were not engaged in essential duties, with a view to ameliorating chaos and public dissatisfaction. On the other hand, it was evident that the Government had not prepared well enough for the post-typhoon response and recovery work. He said that, before the typhoon, the resource-rich Government should have prioritised the arrangements for manpower, tools and grab-mounted lorries for the post-typhoon clearance work. He said that the Government should learn the lesson and asked Chief Secretary to review the recovery work with policy bureaus and departments under his purview and then formulate policies to deal with similar disasters in future.
123. Mr LEUNG Ming-kin said the typhoon caused power outages at large numbers of village houses, and power supply at some of them resumed only seven days later. Residents complained why this could happen to a modern city today. Most members of the public formed volunteer teams and cleared fallen trees and other objects under the leadership of the YLDO, demonstrating the spirit of cooperation between the Government and the community. He hoped the authorities could provide sandbags for residents of certain villages susceptible to flooding, while suggesting provision of another emergency hotline after 999 for the public to call for assistance. He said the Government suspended classes but failed to give workers a day off after the passage of typhoon, causing great inconvenience for residents, especially rural dwellers who made long distance commutes to work. He also pointed out that trees in Hong Kong were more vulnerable under strong winds because of limited space for roots to stretch out. He suggested the Government make reference to a tree management experience in the Mainland, where tree trunks were painted white lime water to guide night vehicles and to deter insects and viruses. When white lime water became discolored, tree patrol crews would know the tree had not been inspected for a long time so they would paint white lime water again. He also suggested Hong Kong should nurture more talents, such as arborists and landscape architects, to deal with tree falling incidents and the maintenance of trees.
124. Mr WONG Cheuk-kin spoke highly of the performance of all Government departments, especially the FEHD, FSD, HKPF and LCSD, in handling the typhoon while attributing the sluggish progress of the post-typhoon recovery work to the inadequate equipment used. He said the Government should introduce additional wood shredders, instead of fret saws and chainsaws, to handle fallen trees more effectively, thus increasing the numbers of trees carried by each vehicle. He pointed out that trees in urban areas could easily be blown down in strong winds with their roots mostly grown in shallow, narrow holes for the sake of appearance. He hoped the departments would carefully study and assess the suitability of places for planting trees.
125. Mr TO Ka-lun said the typhoon was a natural disaster but the poor recovery work was a man-made misfortune. Public opinion about this was very clear and compelling. He still remembered the Chief Executive had displayed two different attitudes in her responses towards criticisms about the government’s decision not to suspend work after typhoon and criticisms about the Lantau reclamation project. He said senior Government officials had only performed “shows” by visiting local communities and clearing fallen trees and wastes many days after the passage of typhoon. Nevertheless, he thanked the executive arms of the Government for their recovery
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efforts, while expressing appreciation to Hong Kong people for their self-motivated, united participation in the recovery work. The Government did not take this opportunity to promote civic education, but at least alerted its senior officials to the importance of serving the public wholeheartedly.
126. Ms MA Shuk-yin thanked the YLDO, LCSD, FSD, HKPF, HD and FEHD for helping people solve problems after the typhoon. She was inundated by call enquiries on the typhoon day, including a flood of calls about false alarms at a school in Tin Yiu Estate, which were fortunately shut down with the help of the YLDO. A total of 60 fallen trees were found in Tin Yiu Estate after the typhoon, with most of them blocking main roadways, such as entrances and exits to car parks. She liaised with the HD and the property management company about the problems, and then spent the whole week completing the clean-up with the help of volunteers, with some of wood logs and broken branches pending disposal by landscape contractors hired by the HD. She requested the Government to take the initiative to help schools remove fallen trees and broken branches as it took time to engage landscape contractors to do the job. She also pointed out that it was fortunate that the FEHD had deployed crews to remove a tree lying on a pavement in Tin Yau Court after no other departments agreed to take responsibility on the grounds that the tree was within the private housing estate. On the whole, Government departments had been more than willing to offer help after receiving calls about fallen trees - an inevitable occurrence after the onslaught of a typhoon - and there were private companies deploying workers and heavy-duty crane lorries to help volunteers clear fallen trees. She also extended her special thanks to the property management company of Tin Yiu Estate for clearing blocked drain inlets three days before the onset of typhoon, thus averting the threat of flooding at the housing estate during the typhoon.
127. Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH said the typhoon wreaked havoc in many areas except her electoral area, where the only two fallen trees found had already been removed. Fortunately, staff of various Government departments performed their duties professionally and dedicated their time to assisting in the recovery work, so the civil service spirit should be promoted among the public. That being said, the Government should go the extra mile to meet the high expectations of the public. Meanwhile, as community organisations, private companies and district councillors had worked hand-in-hand with the Government to tackle the typhoon, she suggested the Government designate a memorial day to mark the spirit of cooperation between the Government and the community and to promote the culture of disaster prevention, with a view to boosting positive energy in society.
128. The Vice-chairman acknowledged the performance delivered by the Government in handling the typhoon. Led by the Chief Executive, the Government acted in a pragmatic manner while officials from various departments reached out for the public after the typhoon and properly followed up on the recovery work to address people’s pressing needs. However, there had been criticisms that their visits came too late and their presence during the clean-up drive was for publicity only. He considered the views as biased and unrealistic, saying that if their visits had taken place too early, that could lead to crowd chaos hampering rescue and cleanup efforts. He hoped the Government would adhere to the pragmatic style of work and achieve better governance of Hong Kong.
129. Ms CHAN Mei-lin said the typhoon was strong enough to uproot some large trees in Tin Yiu Court, one of which crushed metal railings and fell across a pavement, causing an
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obstruction. The property management company of the housing estate had sought help from the FSD, but the request was declined on the grounds that the fallen tree was within the private housing estate. She had no choice but to discuss with the HKPF about the possibility of enclosing the site. She hoped the FSD representatives at the meeting could answer whether it was true that the department would not attend to fallen trees in private housing estates, although they posed danger to public safety. She said it would be too late when the property management company engaged a landscape contractor to remove the tree. She also touched on the issue of fallen trees blocking driveways, saying one of them had obstructed vehicle access to the car park in Tin Tsz Estate. She said she had contacted an FEHD superintendent regarding this, but was told that the tree could not be dealt with because of its large size. She then contacted the LCSD, which passed her request to the FSD. Eventually, the tree was moved to the roadside and vehicles could use the car park again. She hoped the authorities would deal with fallen trees affecting daily activities of the public. After the experience, she found there was no Government department dedicated to handling tree falling incidents, and Members and residents had to experience hiccups before their cases could be directed to relevant departments-in-charge for follow-up action. Cumbersome administrative procedures could also affect the effectiveness of disaster-relief work carried by departments. She hoped the Government could have a critical review, set up a taskforce dedicated to responding to emergencies, and improve and unify the communications system, so that the community could get back on its feet as quickly as possible. She also hoped the TD would deploy staff to inspect and repair traffic signs, as many of them got destroyed and blown over by the typhoon.
130. Mr Enoch YUEN, JP gave a consolidated reply as follows:
(1) Paper No. 77 gave an overview of the contingency preparedness, response and recovery operations undertaken in Yuen Long District by various departments to cope with Super Typhoon Mangkhut;
(2) He thanked Members for acknowledging and appreciating the work of various Government departments, and said he would convey their views to various departments. He said there was always a better way of doing things and each experience could enable his colleagues from the departments to improve their performance at work;
(3) He wished to extend his heartfelt gratitude to 13 Government departments for their concerted efforts to cope with the situations under the influence of the typhoon;
(4) The main task of the YLDO was to coordinate the disaster prevention work in Yuen Long District, such as referring tree-falling reports upon receipt to relevant departments for follow-up using different contact methods. When the typhoon was ravaging Hong Kong, the YLDO and the DSD kept a careful watch on dwellers in low-lying and remote areas vulnerable to natural hazards, such as Ha Tsuen residents, while saving flood-affected residents as quickly as possible in collaboration with the FSD and HKPF;
(5) He knew all his colleagues from various Government departments had been fully committed to performing disaster prevention work, and he understood the YLDO could have fared better in the face of the typhoon, such as by expanding temporary shelters to accommodate more people affected. The YLDO had already reviewed this with the SWD;
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(6) The main task of the recovery work at this stage was to remove fallen trees. He said departmental representatives at the meeting would brief Members on how different departments would handle fallen trees in different places; and
(7) Cleanup work in most places had been accomplished. Recovery work was gathering pace on a tripartite collaboration model involving the Government, the business sector and the community.
131. Ms Florence KO gave a consolidated reply as follows:
(1) Super Typhoon Mangkhut was remarkably strong. During its onslaught on Hong Kong, the T10 signal had been in force for 10 hours, five hours longer than Super Typhoon Hato last year. According to the Beaufort wind scale, a cyclone with a wind force level of 10 or above could uproot trees and caused structural damage;
(2) As of 22 October, the Government had received more than 60 000 tree failure reports. When the typhoon had departed from the city, the DEVB started coordinating the clean-up work in collaboration with other government departments and mobilised contractors to carry out the clean-up work across the territory. Some public works contractors voluntarily expanded their designated clean-up areas to speed up the removal of obstacles caused by fallen trees and broken branches, which affected the daily activities of the public. In addition, some other contractors and tool suppliers formed volunteer teams to help clear fallen trees and branches. To expedite the clearance operations, the HKPF, FSD and Civil Aid Services (“CAS”) also assisted in handling many emergency cases;
(3) Government departments cleaned up fallen trees in three stages. The first stage was for fallen trees blocking pedestrian and traffic flow, and had been completed. The second stage was taking place at locations frequented by members of the public, such as parks, cycle tracks, hiking trails, etc., and would be progressively completed before the end of this year. The third stage would be carried out at locations that did not affect daily activities of the public, such as higher slope positions and remote areas in country parks, and would be progressively completed before the first quarter of next year;
(4) The DEVB coordinated and organised the work of various departments and convened meetings in mid-October to discuss matters relating to tree replanting, while selecting suitable tree species for replanting at suitable places according to the “Right Tree Right Place” principle. Due consideration of various factors about tree replanting had been given, including the ground condition surrounding the fallen trees, soil quality, and whether the characteristics of tree species would easily affect public safety;
(5) The Street Tree Selection Guide recently compiled by the DEVB recommended 80 tree species suitable for different urban street environments, and would be launched at the end of this year for Members’ reference. The TMO would actively consult the public and Members on their views on tree replanting, with a view to enhancing and beautifying the living environment; and
(6) In the aftermath of the typhoon, tree management departments carried out tree
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inspections at locations with high pedestrian or vehicular flow and undertook appropriate mitigation measures, such as straightening leaning trees, removing hazardous trees and cordoning off trees pending remedial works in a timely manner. Members of the public could report problematic trees via the “1823” Hotline, or to the TMO of the DEVB at 2848 2334, so that relevant departments could follow up on such cases.
132. Mr MA Sen-ching gave a consolidated reply as follows:
(1) The typhoon caused extreme storm surges in Hong Kong, especially Yuen Long West, where the shoreline was mainly composed of many shallow beaches, and houses were mostly located in low-lying areas;
(2) The DSD maintained close liaison with the Hong Kong Observatory (“HKO”) to keep track of the wind directions of the typhoon while setting up a temporary storm surge warning system. Together with the YLDO, the DSD forewarned affected residents to take precautionary measures in a timely manner before the onset of storm surge, while providing more than 3 000 sandbags for residents and shop operators in the Yuen Long coastal areas vulnerable to storm surge upon the issue of a storm surge alert, so as to reduce the risk of flooding; and
(3) Together with the YLDO and HKO, the DSD was expediting the installation of the regular storm surge warning system. When the HKO predicted the sea level would reach the alert line in the next 24 hours, it would inform the DSD and YLDO and issue timely warnings, thereby enabling affected residents to take precautionary measures before the advent of storm surge.
133. Mr CHEUNG Pui-chung thanked Members for acknowledging the FEHD for its efforts to cope with the typhoon. The department had taken precautions before the advent of typhoon, and rented additional crane lorries after the typhoon to speed up clearance and recovery work. The clearance work went without a hitch, thanks to the assistance of district councillors, local people and Government departments. Meanwhile, all Government departments shared the recovery work as an exceptional arrangement, setting aside the issue of powers and responsibilities. He thanked the colleagues of various departments for the assistance, as the FFHD cleared fallen trees with the help of the FSD, LCSD and CAS because of insufficient tools and equipment. Volunteers formed by other disciplined forces had helped with physically heavy work, such as cutting down trees.
134. Mr CHENG Wing-kit said that Government departments had different roles to play under the coordination of the TMO. During an emergency, a situation that posed an immediate risk to people’s life and property, the FSD would act immediately to remove fallen trees or request relevant departments to clear wood logs and broken branches. When there was a fallen tree causing serious traffic disruption, the FSD would consider removing it subject to the availability of resources, even though the tree did not constitute an immediate risk to people’s life and property. However, when the tree-falling incident was a non-emergency case, it would be handled by a department responsible for the management of relevant land. If a tree fell on private land and was a non-emergency case, it would be the responsibility of the owner of the land to remove it.
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135. Mr Ronnie TANG cast doubt on the drainage capacity of a number of drains which were not connected to major drainage channels in the projects which the DSD had undertaken to improve the rural drainage system. He suggested the DSD allocate more resources to improve rural drains in the New Territories. He cited the example of the Fanling Northeast Development Plan, saying that floods in the Northeast New Territories had been less severe where drains no longer got clogged after they widths and numbers were increased. Otherwise, the situation would remain as serious as in Yuen Long. He opined the flooding problem could be resolved as long as the drains were properly designed, although low-lying areas were generally prone to flooding.
136. Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen repeated his requests for the Government to review the methods for handling the typhoon, and to formulate relevant precautionary measures and guidelines. He suggested the TMO conduct more tree inspections in all districts and take precautions for hazardous trees when a typhoon was imminent, and replant trees as deemed appropriate after typhoon. He also suggested the Government introduce more wood shredders designed for large trees, so that they could be converted into sawdust and then delivered to environmental groups or organic farms for better use. This could help forestall space exhaustion at the temporary wood waste collection site in the Kai Tak Development Area.
137. Mr MA Sen-ching responded as follows:
(1) He pointed out that typhoon-induced floods were different from floods triggered by torrential rains. Works normally carried out during a drainage project, such as constructing drains or broadening river courses, were unable to effectively cope with floods caused by extreme storm surges because, during a typhoon, the sea level would rise and seawater could flow to lower areas from all sides. The DSD and HKO were already expediting the installation of the regular storm surge warning system to enable residents in low-lying coastal areas to take precautions earlier, so as to cope with floods caused by storm surges; and
(2) The DSD was proactively planning to improve rural drain designs, while conducting research on how to enhance the flood conveyance capacity of drains in Wang Toi Shan and Lin Fa Tei. It was hoped that the works could commence expeditiously.
138. Ms Florence KO responded as follows:
(1) Tree management departments conducted annual tree risk assessment before the onset of rainy and typhoon season. After the typhoon, the departments immediately inspected trees in areas of high pedestrian and traffic flows and took appropriate mitigation measures. In November this year, the departments would conduct regular tree risk assessments, inspect trees in areas with high pedestrian and traffic flows, and take appropriate mitigation measures according to tree conditions, in order to reduce the risk of collapse;
(2) Tree management departments would also carry out daily care work for trees in areas under their management. As the growing conditions for trees changed from time to time, Members of the public could call the Government Hotline “1823” or report to TMO for help if they found any problematic trees, so that relevant departments could take action in due course; and
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(3) It would be EPD’s duty to explore ways for dealing with yard waste collected, such as fallen dead trees.
139. Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS hoped that various Government departments would continue with their joint recovery efforts after the typhoon and clear fallen trees and objects awaiting disposal across the territory.
140. The Chairman said that a motion in one of the items combined for discussion was proposed by Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH, and seconded by the Hon LEUNG Che-cheung, SBS, MH, JP, the Hon LUK Chung-hung, JP, the Vice-chairman Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH, Mr TSANG Shu-wo, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr TANG Sui-man, Mr LUI Kin, MH, Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH, Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Mr WONG Cheuk-kin, Mr Daniel CHAM, BBS, MH, JP, Mr Ronnie TANG, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr SIU Long-ming, MH, Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Ms YUEN Man-yee, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Mr CHING Chan-ming, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Mr MAN Kwong-ming and Mr YOUNG Ka-on. The full text of the motion was as follows:
“The Yuen Long District Council expresses heartfelt gratitude and recognition to the Government departments in Yuen Long, in particular the outstanding civil service teams in the YLDO, FEHD and LCSD for delivering dedicated people-based service in the face of the unprecedented recovery work after Typhoon Mangkhut. Engaging numerous resident volunteers who rendered unfailing support in the relief work has been an exemplary example of cooperation between the Government and the community.
The Yuen Long District Council urges the Special Administrative Region Government to increase resources and keep on the long-established inter-departmental collaboration to expedite the restoration of damaged facilities, removal of fallen trees and dead branches, digging of tree pits of greater depths and replanting of quality trees so that the community will recover in a timely manner.”
141. The Chairman’s proposal for a vote on the motion to be conducted by a show of hands and open ballot was supported by Mr Daniel CHAM, BBS, MH, JP, Mr CHING Chan-ming, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Mr LUI Kin, MH, Mr MAN Kwong-ming, Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS, Mr Ronnie TANG, the Vice-chairman Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH, Mr YOUNG Ka-on, and Ms YUEN Man-yee.
142. The Chairman announced the motion was adopted with an absolute majority of votes, by 14 votes in favour, none against and no abstention.
143. The Chairman concluded that the Government attached great importance to and got fully prepared for Super Typhoon Mangkhut. Its precautionary efforts won Members’ recognition. The typhoon caused varying degrees of damage to Hong Kong, with trees sustaining more severe damage; however, the strenuous efforts of the different levels of the Government, especially frontline departments, in performing the recovery work received Members’ praise and affirmation. This was although the handling of the typhoon, such as the arrangements for resumption of work
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after the passage of typhoon, left much to be reviewed. He hoped the Government could improve the situation where members of the public could not get through to various emergency hotlines both during and after the typhoon. He also hoped the Government could strengthen recovery coordination. It was although Yuen Long departments delivered outstanding performance by conducting the recovery work more efficiently under the leadership and coordination of the District Officer. Apart from various Government departments, volunteer teams formed by different sectors of the community had taken part in the clearance work using the equipment and machinery loaned by private companies. If the Government drew on the experience and mobilised members of each community sector earlier to carry out the clearance work, the community could resume its normal operation more quickly. Moreover, he hoped the Government could remove the large quantities of remaining fallen trees as soon as possible, and take into account the resistance of trees to wind damage and the space for roots to stretch out when planning to re-plant trees, in order to avoid any more tree collapse during a typhoon. He concluded the Government had done a good job in handling the typhoon, and hoped it could learn the experience and handle future typhoons more properly.
(Post-meeting note: The Secretariat conveyed the motion endorsed by Members to relevant departments on 13 November 2018 for their reference.)
Item X: Report on YLDC’s Duty Visit to Tokyo in Japan (YLDC Paper No. 87/2018) 144. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 87, which was the Secretariat’s invitation to Members to endorse “Report on the YLDC’s Duty Visit to Tokyo in Japan” (“Duty Visit Report”). It was hoped that policy bureaus and departments would refer to the Duty Visit Report and get inspirations on planning the district and facilities. The Chairman invited Mr CHING Chan-ming, the Chairman of the Duty Visit Working Group (“DVWG”) and Ms Mandy WONG, the Secretary to give a presentation.
145. Following the preliminary report on the YLDC duty visit to Tokyo from 5 to 8 June at the meeting in June, Mr CHING Chan-ming was now going to brief Members on the Duty Visit Report. In June 2018, the YLDC delegation conducted a four-day visit to Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Edogawa City Council and several private organisations to learn about the cycling policies, land planning such as how to make good use of land for brownfield operations, and policies on refuse handling and recycling in Tokyo in Japan. He said the draft report on the duty visit had been considered by the DVWG at the meeting on 11 October 2018 and endorsed by circulation on 23 October 2018. On behalf of the delegation, he thanked the Secretariat and receiving organisations including the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) for their communication and liaison to make the trip enriching and desired results were achieved. While the YLDC had greatly benefited from the duty visit to Tokyo in Japan, the delegation hoped policy bureaus and departments would make reference to the Duty Visit Report and get inspirations on planning the district and facilities.
146. Ms Mandy WONG said the duty visit was the “highlight” of the work of the YLDC. Since the 5th YLDC (2016-2019), the Government had allocated DC Members with duty visit funding to cover expenses incurred during the visits endorsed by the DC. At the meeting on 25 April 2017, the YLDC had endorsed forming a working group for discussing matters related to the duty visit. Under the leadership of Mr CHING Chan-ming, the Chairman of the DVWG, the duty visit in Tokyo in Japan from 5 to 8 June 2018 was completed satisfactorily. She thanked the
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receiving organisations again for making the visit successful, especially the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo). According to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Manual on the Use of Provision for Duty Visits Outside Hong Kong for Members of the DCs, the delegation had to submit a report to the YLDC after the duty visit. She thanked Members for their suggestions and comments that had made the report more informative. The draft report on the duty visit had been endorsed by circulation by the DVWG on 23 October 2018. The delegation had visited Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Edogawa City Council and several private organisations to understand the cycling policies, policies on land planning and refuse handling and recycling policies in Tokyo in Japan. The delegation hoped the Government would proactively learn from the building techniques of automatic underground multi-storey car parks and bicycle parks in Tokyo in Japan. They also hoped the policy bureaus and departments would get inspirations on district planning and provision of facilities from the duty visit report.
147. The Chairman enquired about Members’ views on the report on the duty visit.
148. Members had no comment.
149. The Chairman announced that the report on the duty visit had been endorsed and thanked Mr CHING Chan-ming. Under the leadership of Mr CHING, the duty visit and the report were completed satisfactorily.
Item XI: Schedule of Meetings for YLDC in 2019 (YLDC Paper No. 78/2018) 150. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 78, which was to invite Members to endorse the proposed schedule of meetings for the YLDC in 2019. The Chairman said the fifth and sixth meetings in 2019 might be suspended due to the DC election.
151. Members endorsed the schedule of meetings for the YLDC in 2019.
Item XII: Report on work progress of District-led Actions Scheme 152. The Chairman invited Mr Enoch YUEN, JP, District Officer (Yuen Long) and Mr Nixon NG, Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long)1 to report on the latest work progress of District-led Actions Scheme (“DAS”).
153. Mr Enoch YUEN, JP thanked Members for their support to DAS.
154. Mr Nixon NG introduced the work progress of DAS.
155. Ms YUEN Man-yee complimented the YLDO on its effectiveness in grass cutting and cleaning “three nil” buildings.
156. Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen recognised the efficiency of the YLDO in grass cutting and
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removing dead trees after the typhoon hazard. Also, the promotion of “Zero Hill Fire” at Chung Yeung Festival by the FSD, together with grass cutting in rural areas, prevented hill fires effectively. He expressed his gratitude for the work of the District Officer (Yuen Long), YLDO and various departments.
Item XIII: Progress reports of Committees Yuen Long District Management Committee (YLDC Paper No. 79/2018) District Facilities Management Committee (YLDC Paper No. 80/2018) Culture, Recreation, Community Service and Housing Committee (YLDC Paper No. 81/2018) Environmental Improvement Committee (YLDC Paper No. 82/2018) Finance Committee (YLDC Paper No. 83/2018) Town Planning and Development Committee (YLDC Paper No. 84/2018) Traffic and Transport Committee (YLDC Paper No. 85/2018) 157. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper Nos. 79-85 for the progress reports of Committees.
158. Members noted the progress reports of the Yuen Long District Management Committee and the YLDC Committees.
Item XIV: Any other business
(i) Invitation to YLDC to appoint representatives to join the Advisory Committee on the Management of Tin Sau Bazaar (YLDC Paper No. 67/2018) 159. The Chairman said the agenda item was a matter arising. He asked Members to take note of Paper No. 67, which was an invitation from Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (“TWGHs”) to the YLDC to appoint three representatives to join the Advisory Committee on the Management of Tin Sau Bazaar (“Advisory Committee”), with the term of office ending on 1 February 2020. At the last meeting, some Members enquired about the attendance at meetings of the three current YLDC representatives, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr KWOK Hing-ping and Mr YIU Kwok-wai. According to the information provided by the TWGHs, the past-term Advisory Committee had convened a total of three meetings and no representative was absent from all the meetings.
160. The Chairman asked Members to consider whether to continue to appoint the three Members or make new nominations.
161. Mr CHOW Wing-kan and Mr YIU Kwok-wai said they were willing to continue to serve on the Advisory Committee.
162. Mr KWOK Hing-ping said he would not continue to serve on the Advisory Committee. Mr KWOK hoped that Mr Zachary WONG would give an apology for his false allegation that he was a stall operator of Tin Sau Bazaar.
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163. Mr Zachary WONG said at the last meeting, he mentioned that Mr KWOK Hing-ping, who could be a stall operator of Tin Sau Bazaar, was not suitable for serving on the Advisory Committee. When nominating Members for the past-term Advisory Committee, Mr KWOK Hing-ping did not make it clear until the last meeting when he clarified that he was not a stall operator. However, after the last meeting, some Members revealed that Health Care Club, the Chairman of which was Mr KWOK Hing-ping, had owned a stall in Tin Sau Bazaar since its operation and only withdrew from business recently. As Mr KWOK Hing-ping was the Chairman of Health Care Club, conflict of interest might arise when he took up the post of Committee Member of the Advisory Committee. Therefore, serving on the Advisory Committee in his personal capacity could not be justified. While Mr KWOK Hing-ping stated that he was not a stall operator at the last meeting, it was not true. He hoped Mr KWOK Hing-ping would clarify and apologise to him.
164. The Chairman said the agenda item was about appointing Members to join the Advisory Committee as YLDC representatives. As Mr KWOK Hing-ping replied that he would not continue to serve on the Advisory Committee, he was not obliged to declare interest for the current-term Advisory Committee. Still, Mr KWOK Hing-ping was allowed to respond to the views of Mr Zachary WONG.
165. Mr KWOK Hing-ping said he had already denied that he was a shop operator at the previous meeting when asked by Mr Zachary WONG. He considered it unnecessary to respond to the question on whether he was a shop operator in Tin Sau Bazaar 20 years ago and to declose the details of renting a stall to Mr Zachary WONG or the YLDC. As a Member of the Health Care Club, he could only agree if other members in the organisation would like to rent a stall in Tin Sau Bazaar. He said that the stall was not rented under his capacity and his family members did not own any stalls in Tin Sau Bazaar. Therefore, the accusation by Mr Zachary WONG was not true.
166. The Chairman said Mr KWOK Hing-ping had clarified himself. Considering that the matter was irrelevant to appointing Members to join the Advisory Committee, he would not discuss the matter further. Since the TWGHs invited the YLDC to appoint three Members to join the Advisory Committee and Mr CHOW Wing-kan and Mr YIU KWOK-wai had agreed to continue to serve on the Advisory Committee, he asked whether Members had other nominations. He added that appointing two representatives was acceptable too.
167. Mr Zachary WONG said what he reflected was a matter of procedures which he hoped the Chairman would rule on it. Earlier, Mr KWOK Hing-ping replied that he was one of the Members of the Health Care Club but did not dare to admit he was the chairman. If Mr KWOK Hing-ping believed that serving as the chairman did not involve any interest with the organisation, no Members would need to declare their interests in relation to their organisations. However, it was not a proper practice. Under the three-tier interest declaration mechanism, the chairman had to declare his interest. Also, when nominating the past-term members for the Advisory Committee, he had also pointed out that Mr KWOK Hing-ping was a shop operator in Tin Sau Bazaar and was not suitable becoming an Advisory Committee member. Mr KWOK Hing-ping did not deny but insisted on serving on the Advisory Committee on behalf of the YLDC. He also pointed out that Tin Sau Bazaar had established for less than 20 years so he was confused when Mr KWOK Hing-ping claimed himself a shop operator 20 years ago. He hoped that Mr KWOK Hing-ping would respond on when Health Care Club would withdraw from business in Tin Sau Bazaar and the
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Chairman would make a ruling on it.
168. Mr CHING Chan-ming said the matter was irrelevant to the discussion of the matter so the Chairman did not have to rule on it.
169. The Chairman said he would discuss with the Secretariat on whether a ruling should be made as Mr Zachary WONG reflected that it was a matter of procedures.
170. Mr TO Ka-lun would like to confirm whether the attendance of the three representatives was 100%.
171. The Chairman said no representative had been absent from all meetings.
172. Mr Zachary WONG enquired whether it meant that no representative had an attendance rate of 0% but some representatives had a relatively low attendance rate.
173. Mr TO Ka-lun hoped Members would perform their duties when taking up posts on behalf of the YLDC because it was problematic to merely attend the meeting in name.
174. The Chairman said a total of 3 meetings of the last-term Advisory Committee were convened and Mr CHOW Wing-kan had a 100% attendance rate while Mr YIU Kwok-wai and Mr KWOK Hing-ping had attended one meeting respectively. As a result, no representative was absent from all the meetings.
175. Mr YIU Kwok-wai said he had served on the Advisory Committee since the first term. As a committee member representing the YLDC, he and Mr CHOW Wing-kan handled tendering of stalls in Tin Sau Bazaar and appeals apart from attending the meetings. Although he had been absent from some meetings, he had assisted in the business. He took the opportunity to call for participation of Members to improve the operation of Tin Sau Bazaar.
176. The Chairman said according to the Standing Orders, the Chairman could decide whether a DC Member who had disclosed an interest in a matter might speak or should withdraw from the meeting. As Mr KWOK Hing-ping said he would not continue to serve on the Advisory Committee, the above power of the Chairman was not applicable. Also, as the Chairman was not clear of whether the Member genuinely had conflict of interest, he could not rule on it. He said he would not discuss the matter further and enquired whether Members would make other nominations.
177. Members made no other nominations.
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178. The Chairman announced that Mr CHOW Wing-kan and Mr YIU Kwok-wai be endorsed by Members to serve on the Advisory Committee on behalf of the YLDC.
179. Mr Zachary WONG asked the Secretariat to enquire with the TWGHs on when Health Care Club rented the stall in Tin Sau Bazaar and withdrew from it.
180. The Secretary said the Secretariat could try to enquire with the TWGHs but there might be commercial agreements between the TWGHs and stall tenants so details might not be disclosed.
181. Mr TO Ka-lun enquired whether he could nominate himself as the Member.
182. The Chairman said the selection process was completed.
(ii) Yuen Long Team to the 7th Hong Kong Games (YLDC Paper No. 86/2018) 183. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 86, which was the invitation from the Secretariat of Organising Committee of the 7th Hong Kong Games (“HKG”) to the YLDC to form a district delegation to the sports events of the 7th HKG. With reference to the past practice, the delegation would comprise a total of 29 people, including a Head of Delegation, three Deputy Heads of Delegation and 25 Chief Team Leaders/Team Leaders/Coaches. The Chairman of the YLDC would be appointed as the Head of Delegation while the Vice-chairman of the YLDC, the Chairman of the Yuen Long District Sports Association and a DC Member would be appointed as Deputy Heads of Delegation. Chief Team Leaders, Team Leaders and Coaches would be appointed by the Yuen Long District Sports Association.
184. The Chairman asked Members to endorse to continue to form the delegation as above and nominate a Member to be one of the Deputy Heads of Delegation.
185. Mr Daniel CHAM, BBS, MH, JP nominated Mr LEUNG Ming-kin to be the Deputy Head of Delegation.
186. Mr LEUNG Ming-kin said he was willing to be the Deputy Head of Delegation.
187. The Chairman announced that the post of Deputy Head of Delegation would be taken up by Mr LEUNG Ming-kin. He also encouraged the Yuen Long Team to continue to strive for good results.
(iii) Hong Kong Water Race 2019 (YLDC Paper No. 88/2018) 188. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 88, which was an invitation from the Hong Kong Water Race 2019 Organising Committee and Wofoo Social Enterprises to the
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YLDC to be the supporting organisation of Hong Kong Water Race 2019 on 14 April 2019 (Sunday). As the YLDC had been its supporting organisation since 2013, the Chairman recommended that the YLDC be the supporting organisation of the event and promote information on the activity to Members if they had no comment.
189. As Members raised no objection, the Chairman announced that Members endorsed that the YLDC would be the supporting organisation of the Hong Kong Water Race 2019.
(iv) Matters relating to Members joining/withdrawing from the Committees under YLDC 190. Members endorsed the following applications of Members for joining/withdrawing from the Committees:
Mr Ronnie TANG joined the FC and EIC Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH withdrew from the FC
(v) Motion of thanks (YLDC Paper No. 90/2018) 191. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 90, which was the motion of thanks to Mr CHEUNG Pui-chung, District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Yuen Long) of the FEHD. The motion was moved by the Chairman Mr SHUM Ho-kit, JP, the Vice-chairman Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH, Mr Daniel CHAM, BBS, MH, JP, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr CHING Chun-ming, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH, Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen, Mr LUI Kin, MH and Mr SIU Long-ming, MH and seconded by Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr KWOK Keung, MH, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, the Hon LEUNG Che-cheung, SBS, MH, JP, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, the Hon LUK Chung-hung, JP, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr MAN Kwong-ming, Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Mr TANG Cheuk-yin, Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS, Mr TANG Ho-nin, Mr TANG Ka-leung, Mr TANG Sui-man, Mr Ronnie TANG, Mr TO Ka-lun, Mr TSANG Shu-wo, Mr WONG Cheuk-kin, Mr WONG Wai-ling, Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Mr YOUNG Ka-on and Ms YUEN Man-yee. The wording of the motion was as follows:
“This Council highly commends Mr CHEUNG Pui-chung, Yuen Long District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, for his devotion and outstanding performance in improving the environmental hygiene in Yuen Long and his valuing the views and suggestions of the District Council and its Members over the years. As Mr CHEUNG is retiring, the Council wishes him all the best in his new chapter of life.”
192. Members voted on the motion by a show of hands and open ballot. Mr Daniel CHAM, BBS, MH, JP, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam, Mr CHING Chan-ming, Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr LAI Wai-hung, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr MAN Kwong-ming, Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS, Mr Ronnie TANG, Mr TO Ka-lun, Mr WONG Cheuk-kin, Ms WONG Wai-ling, Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary, the Vice-chairman Mr WONG Wai-shun, MH, Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Mr YOUNG Ka-on and Ms YUEN Man-yee were in favour of the motion.
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193. The Chairman announced that 24 Members voted for the motion, 0 Member voted against it and 0 Members abstained. The motion was passed by an absolute majority of votes.
194. Mr CHEUNG Pui-chung thanked the Chairman and Members for their support. He felt honoured to receive commendation from the Chairman and Members and said there was still room for improvement in his work. The honour belonged not only to him but also to the whole FEHD team as the achievement today was a result of the team’s hard work. He also thanked District Commander (Yuen Long) Mr LEE Wai-man and colleagues from other districts for their long-term support for the work of the FEHD so that the staff could perform the duties smoothly. He expressed his gratitude again to Members who had enabled him to round his 40-year civil service career off with satisfaction. He would miss the days working in Yuen Long and would not forget the YLDC.
195. The Chairman said the Superintendent had outstanding performance in various aspects. As an example, after the recent Typhoon Mangkhut, he conducted clearing work in different areas in the district in person. He also dedicated himself to the pest and rodent control work and cleaning up of refuse in the district. In the past, the situation of street obstruction due to shop-front extension was serious and seemed insoluble. Since the Superintendent assumed office, he dealt with shop-front extension with his unstinting efforts. The situation was then in control and the effects were well-recognised. On behalf of the YLDC, the Chairman wished the Superintendent all the best on his life after retirement.
(Post-meeting note: The Secretariat wrote to relay the motion endorsed by Members to the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene on 13 November 2018.)
196. The Chairman declared the meeting adjourned and thanked departmental representatives and Members for attending.
Yuen Long District Council December 2018
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