Minutes of the 10Th Meeting of District Minor Works and Environmental Improvement Committee

North District Council (2016-2019) Minutes of the 10th Meeting of District Minor Works and Environmental Improvement Committee

Date : 17 July 2017 (Monday) Time : 2:30 p.m. Venue : North District Council Conference Room

Present

Chairman: Mr TANG Kun-nin, Tony, SBS, MH*

Vice-Chairman: Mr WAN Wo-fai, MH*

Members: Dr HO Shu-kwong, Raymond* Mr LI Kwok-fung (2:33 p.m. – 3:51 p.m.) Mr YIU Ming* Mr CHAN Yuk-ming (2:53 p.m. – 4:58 p.m.) Mr CHAN Wai-tat* Ir PANG Chun-sing, George, MH* Mr TSANG King-chung, Kent* Mr TSANG Hing-lung* Mr WONG Wang-to, MH* Mr WAN Wo-tat, Warwick (2:58 p.m. – 4:58 p.m.) Mr LIU Hing-hung* Mr LAU Ki-fung* Mr LARM Wai-leung (2:35 p.m. – 3:37 p.m.) Mr SO Sai-chi, SBS, MH*

Co-opted Members: Mr HAU Tim-kau* Mr HAU Wing-kong (2:30 p.m. – 4:02 p.m.) Mr HAU Hon-shek (2:30 p.m. – 4:17 p.m.) Mr KO Wai-kei (2:30 p.m. – 4:18 p.m.) Mr TSANG Yuk-on* Mr CHANG King-leung* Mr LAU Yung-sau (2:30 p.m. – 3:25 p.m.)

Secretary: Miss CHONG Wai, Joey Executive Officer (District Council) 1, North District Office

Remarks: * Members who attended the whole meeting ( ) Time of attendance of Members

In Attendance

Mr YAU Kin-chung, JP District Officer (North), Home Affairs Department Ms KWONG Ting-lok, Maggie Assistant District Officer (North) 1, Home Affairs Department Mr LEUNG Chi-fai District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (North), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Mr KWOK Sui-cheong Administrative Assistant/Lands, (District Lands Office, North), Lands Department Mr LI Kim-man Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Regional N) 3, Environmental Protection Department Mr CHEUNG Kwok-wai, William Engineer/BCP5 (NTE), Civil Engineering and Development Department Mr YIP Chi-hing Deputy District Leisure Manager (North) 2, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr Otto CHAN Senior Town Planner/FS1, Planning Department Mr YU Wai-cheong Engineer/North 3, Drainage Services Department Mr TANG Kwan-yeung Senior Inspector of Works (1), North District Office Mr NG Ho-wing, Bernard Executive Officer (Development), North District Office

Agenda Items 2 to 5 Ms MA Mei-kiu Chief Health Inspector 1, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Agenda Item 9 Mr HO King-hei, Chris Architect (Works) 1, Home Affairs Department Ms HUI Yee-man Associate Director, WCWP International Limited

Absent

Mr LEE Koon-hung Mr HAU Chi-keung Mr HAU Fuk-tat, Simon Mr CHAN Shung-fai Mr LAU Kwok-fan, MH Mr CHEUNG Yuk-lun Mr PANG Wa-ying

Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed Members and representatives of government departments to the 10th meeting of the District Minor Works and Environmental Improvement Committee (“the Committee”).

2. The Chairman said that four Members, namely Mr HAU Chi-keung, Mr CHAN Shung-fai, Mr Simon HAU and Mr LEE Koon-hung had applied for absence from the meeting. Mr HAU Chi-keung had to attend a Heung Yee Kuk New Territories meeting, and Mr CHAN Shung-fai had to attend a Rural Committee meeting and therefore were absent from this meeting. Since their reasons for absence were a valid excuse under the North District Council (“NDC”) Standing Orders, the Committee approved their applications for absence.

(Mr LI Kwok-fung joined the meeting at this juncture.)

3. The Chairman went on to say that both Mr Simon HAU and Mr LEE Koon-hung were absent from the meeting because Mr Simon HAU was out of town and Mr LEE Koon-hung had to lead a Border Junior Police Call exchange tour to Singapore. Since their reasons for absence were not in compliance with the regulations set out in the NDC Standing Orders, the Committee did not approve their applications for absence. Item 1 - Confirmation of Minutes of the 9th Meeting held on 15 May 2017

4. The Committee confirmed the minutes of the 9th meeting.

Item 2 - Installation of Internet Protocol Cameras at Refuse Deposit Blackspots (Paper No. 41/2017)

5. The Chairman welcomed Ms MA Mei-kiu, Chief Health Inspector 1, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (“FEHD”) to the meeting for the discussion of items 2 to 5.

6. Mr LEUNG Chi-fai presented Paper No. 41/2017.

(Mr LARM Wai-leung joined the meeting at this juncture.)

7. Mr LIU Hing-hung supported the installation of Internet Protocol (IP) cameras at those refuse deposit blackspots. He said that refuse was often dumped at certain locations of the district, affecting the cityscape and environmental hygiene.

8. Mr CHAN Wai-tat was pleased to note that the FEHD had launched the installation of IP cameras. He understood that the FEHD had already launched a pilot scheme on installing IP cameras (“Pilot Scheme”) in Yuen Long District. An IP camera had been installed near Fairview Park, where illegal refuse disposal had markedly improved subsequently. He said that illegal dumping was often found at the refuse collection points at Wo Hing Road near Wo Hop Shek Village Public Toilet (No.: N-148) and at Pak Fuk Tsuen (No.: N-42). It was suggested that IP cameras be installed in those two locations to create a deterrent effect.

9. Mr WONG Wang-to welcomed and supported implementation of the scheme by the FEHD. He said that North District covered a wide area and that the monitoring system would facilitate the FEHD to identify the locations where cleansing services needed to be strengthened. He pointed out that lots of pallets and polystyrene foam plastic (commonly known as “polyfoam”) boxes often accumulated at the emergency vehicle access between Tung Koon School (Sheung Shui) and Sheung Shui Garden No. 1, affecting environmental hygiene and blocking emergency vehicle access. As many school children had to pass through that area, he suggested that the FEHD should install an IP camera at the relevant location to prevent illegal dumping.

10. Mr HAU Hon-shek supported the FEHD’s move to implement the scheme. He understood that the FEHD would take appropriate measures according to refuse disposal in the area, such as deploying more grip-mounted lorries to clean up waste and strengthening patrols. Bulky refuse was often dumped near refuse collection points in the rural area, and there was a need to install IP cameras in the relevant locations to monitor illegal dumping. He hoped that the FEHD would pay attention to refuse disposal in rural areas and take enforcement action in due course.

11. Mr WAN Wo-fai said that illegal refuse disposal in rural areas was very serious. People used to dump a large amount of bulky refuse at refuse collection points or vacant government land in Ta Kwu Ling, some of the refuse even obstructed the carriageway. The Lands Department (“LandsD”) had fenced off some of the land, but the situation of littering did not improve. He therefore supported the implementation of the scheme and hoped that the FEHD would install IP cameras at the refuse deposit blackspots in rural areas.

12. Dr Raymond HO asked whether the FEHD had taken prosecution action against offenders under the Pilot Scheme conducted earlier in other districts. He said that some of the refuse deposit blackspots in the district were not close to refuse collection points, for example, the area around Hong Kong Taoist Association Tang Hin Memorial Secondary School was always piled with cartons, affecting environmental hygiene. In addition, bulky refuse was often dumped at the refuse collection point near Yu Tai Road.

13. Ir George PANG supported the FEHD to implement the scheme. He said that there had been frequent dumping of construction and industrial waste at a refuse collection point at Jockey Club Road near Wong Kong Shan, which seriously affected environmental hygiene. He believed that the installation of IP cameras at refuse deposit blackspots could have a deterrent effect, and offenders could be prosecuted based on the video clip.

14. Mr LAU Ki-fung raised the following views, suggestions and questions:

(a) If the proposed IP camera was installed in private premises, the residents there might be concerned about their privacy and the FEHD should first consult and consider their views;

(b) Illegal dumping were often done at night, he asked whether the camera to be installed could effectively capture a clear image;

(i) Chi Cheong Road near Lung Fung Garden;

(ii) The area around Tung Koon School (Sheung Shui);

(iii) Lay-by at Tin Ping Road near Tin Long House, Tin Ping Estate;

(iv) Villages along Ma Sik Road (such as Shek Wu San Tsuen and Ma Shi Po Tsuen). (d) Some shops in the district often dumped their refuse in public places, he hoped that the FEHD would extend the scheme to fully tackle illegal refuse disposal.

15. Mr Kent TSANG welcomed the FEHD’s implementation of the scheme. Regarding the problem of illegal refuse disposal at the refuse collection points in the rural areas, he asked whether the FEHD would randomly install IP cameras in the rural villages and rotate the locations on a monthly basis. In addition, he opined that the scheme would not be effective if the FEHD would only conduct a review after one year of its implementation.

16. Mr TSANG Hing-lung supported the FEHD to implement the scheme. He asked whether the FEHD had learned from the experience gained from the Pilot Scheme and refined the installation of IP cameras. He pointed out that the scheme involved privacy issues, and asked how the FEHD would record, and for how long the video clip would be kept. He also asked whether the FEHD would arrange for its staff to carry out prosecution actions based on the information collected from the video. In addition, he was concerned about shops, in particular the fruit and vegetable shops at Luen On Street, extending their business onto streets and dumping refuse in public places. He hoped that the FEHD would install an IP camera at that location.

(Mr CHAN Yuk-ming joined the meeting at this juncture.)

17. Mr CHANG King-leung raised the following views and questions:

(a) He questioned the effectiveness of installing IP cameras at the refuse deposit blackspots and said that if someone deliberately avoided the camera, say by covering up the face or dumping at blind spots of the camera, the gathering of evidence and prosecution would be affected; (b) He inquired about the form of enforcement action based on the video clip to be taken by the FEHD, for example, whether officers would be sent to the site once any illegal dumping was observed from the video;

(c) He asked whether the FEHD could further elaborate on the effectiveness of the Pilot Scheme and provide relevant data;

(d) If, in the long run, the FEHD intended to extend the scheme, there might be an impact on the privacy of the residents; and

(e) Given the large geographical area of North District, it would need a lot of resources to install IP cameras at the refuse deposit blackspots in the district. He asked whether the FEHD would consider terminating the scheme if its effectiveness was unsatisfactory.

18. Mr HAU Wing-kong said that many villagers were not sure of what illegal refuse disposal meant. He considered that the department concerned should first step up publicity and education to build up an awareness of proper refuse disposal among villagers before implementing the installation of IP cameras.

(Mr Warwick WAN joined the meeting at this juncture.)

19. Mr HAU Tim-kau agreed that the department concerned should step up publicity and education on how to properly dispose of refuse and pointed out that the FEHD should inspect the villages in rural areas to curb illegal dumping.

20. Mr LARM Wai-leung said that installing IP cameras at refuse deposit blackspots in the town centre and in rural areas might not achieve the same result, and it was not clear which department would take action against offences upon implementation of the scheme. He agreed that the departments concerned should first step up publicity and education, rather than focusing only on strengthening law enforcement. He said that the animal carcasses collection point at Lin Ma Hang Road near lamp post No. N4224 was often locked up, and sewage seeped from it. Residents could only place the animal carcasses outside the collection point. He considered that the FEHD had not properly managed the facility under its charge so that the residents failed to properly dispose of the waste. He opined that the FEHD should consider and cater for the needs of different districts when implementing measures.

21. Mr SO Sai-chi supported the FEHD to implement the scheme and considered that the scheme could play a deterrent effect. The department concerned should change the practice of refuse disposal by publicity, education and law enforcement. He said that the installation of IP cameras would help the FEHD to monitor the situation at refuse collection points. The FEHD should deliberate on ways to carry out prosecution after implementation of the scheme. In addition, he noted that the scheme would help residents build up a sense of proper refuse disposal and to tie in with the implementation of the Municipal Solid Waste Charging in future.

22. Mr LEUNG Chi-fai gave a consolidated reply to the views, suggestions and questions of the Members as follows:

(a) The FEHD would take into account the seriousness of refuse dumping at the location and the technical feasibility involved when it considered whether or not to install an IP camera at a location;

(b) The Department could take enforcement action directly if the video captured a clear image of the offender or other information such as vehicle registration number. If the offender evaded surveillance of the camera by dumping the waste in other places or if the image was not satisfactory, for example, the offender’s face or the vehicle registration number was covered, the Department would try to identify the time and mode of the offence based on the information collected, so as to deploy and take ambush enforcement action;

(c) Through the Pilot Scheme conducted in Central and Western District, Sham Shui Po District and Yuen Long District, the Department had successfully prosecuted the offenders, who had also been convicted and fined by the court. A review by the Department showed that the Pilot Scheme had been effective and it was proposed to extend to other districts;

(d) The Department had been promoting the proper disposal of waste through different media. In the future, publicity and education in this aspect would be strengthened and the proposed installation of IP cameras would be promoted to the public.

(e) In the past, the Department took follow up actions when there were complaints about illegal refuse disposal in individual locations, but the result was not satisfactory. However, after the implementation of the Pilot Scheme, there had been a significant reduction in the number of complaints about the refuse deposit blackspots;

(f) If the scheme was implemented, the Department should arrange for its staff to browse through the footage, in order to collect evidence, investigate the offences and prosecute the offenders. At the present stage, in view of internal resources and manpower deployment, the Department proposed to install IP cameras in two refuse deposit blackspots. He asked Members to propose two locations for the installation of IP cameras;

(g) The Department was aware of the problem of illegal dumping in the rural part of the district and had established a special prosecution team to carry out targeted enforcement actions; and (h) With regard to the refuse deposit blackspots raised by Members, the Department would take follow up actions and arrange for enforcement action by its staff.

23. The Chairman said that the majority of the Members had supported the FEHD’s efforts to implement the scheme. He hoped that the department concerned would at the same time strengthen publicity and education to the public, and extend the scheme to other refuse deposit blackspots according to the results achieved.

24. Mr CHANG King-leung hoped that the FEHD would provide relevant data on prosecution action against offenders under the Pilot Scheme. In addition, he asked whether the FEHD would recruit additional manpower for the special prosecution team. He was concerned that if manpower was deployed internally, other law enforcement work in the Department would be affected. He also asked whether the FEHD would continue to implement the scheme if result of the installation of IP cameras was found unsatisfactory.

25. Mr LEUNG Chi-fai responded that he did not have the data on the prosecution action taken against offenders under the Pilot Scheme. According to the information provided by the FEHD Headquarters, no suspected offenders contested the contents of the video in the course of prosecution. In addition, the Department would recruit staff to set up the special prosecution team and conduct enforcement actions against illegal refuse disposal, especially in rural areas and areas with serious problem of illegal dumping. With regard to the installation of IP cameras, the Department would regularly review the effectiveness of the scheme and modify the enforcement action plan.

26. Mr LARM Wai-leung said that the FEHD should also examine the inadequacies of how it managed the facilities under its charge while implementing the installation of IP cameras. He asked whether the scheme would only be implemented in rural areas.

27. Mr LEUNG Chi-fai responded that the installation of IP cameras was not only carried out in rural areas. The FEHD had set up a special prosecution team targeted at illegal refuse disposal in rural areas and would regularly check for any inadequacies in the services provided or in facilities management, and make improvements accordingly. The Department would follow up on matters relating to the animal carcasses collection point at Lin Ma Hang Road. In addition, he requested the Committee to decide on the two locations for the installation of IP cameras for the Department’s action.

28. The Chairman invited Members to consider whether they support the FEHD’s plan to install IP cameras. If there was no objection, he would like to invite Members to advise on the two locations for installation of IP cameras.

29. Mr WAN Wo-fai supported the FEHD to carry out the scheme and considered that the department could provide information on the refuse deposit blackspots in the district.

30. Mr LAU Ki-fung said that it was difficult for the Committee to make a decision on the two locations for installation of IP cameras at the moment.

31. Mr HAU Hon-shek said that piling of refuse was serious near lamp post No. V5223 at Ho Sheung Heung Pai Fung Road. If the Committee have no other comments, he suggested installing an IP camera at that location.

32. Ir George PANG said that the FEHD had not put in sufficient resources to implement the scheme in all 18 districts.

33. Dr Raymond HO suggested that the proposed location for installation of IP cameras should be put forward by the FEHD based on the site with the most serious refuse dumping problem.

34. The Chairman said that the FEHD knew the hygiene blackspots in the district well and suggested that it would be more appropriate for the FEHD to propose the location for installation of IP cameras. He hoped that upon implementation of the scheme, the FEHD would review its effectiveness and closely monitor illegal dumping in the district. He also hoped that the FEHD would strengthen publicity and education and put up warning sign at refuse deposit blackspots in the district.

(Mr LAU Yung-sau left the meeting at this juncture.)

35. Ms MA Mei-kiu responded that the FEHD provided refuse collection services on a daily basis and that the severity of illegal dumping was determined on the basis of the weight of refuse collected at various locations. At present, the location with the most serious problem of illegal dumping in the district was the car park at Choi Fat Street, Sheung Shui, where there was often piling of mattresses and pallets. In the past, the Department also joined forces with the Task Force of the Headquarters to carry out ambush law enforcement actions, but make no markedly achievement.

36. The Chairman concluded that the Committee supported the implementation of the installation of IP cameras and requested the FEHD FEHD to install IP cameras in two locations with the most serious problem of illegal refuse disposal.

Item 3 - Pilot Scheme for "Bazaars in North District" (Sheung Shui District) 2017 (Paper No. 42/2017)

37. Mr LEUNG Chi-fai presented paper No. 42/2017.

38. Mr YIU Ming supported promoting development of bazaars and considered that the bazaar activities could bring about start-up opportunities and provide employment opportunities for grassroots workers. He pointed out that many places near and around Hong Kong had been promoting their local history and culture through bazaars. 39. Mr LAU Ki-fung supported the Pilot Scheme for “Bazaars in North District” (Sheung Shui District) 2017 (“Bazaar Scheme”) and noted that many residents welcomed bazaar activities in the district. He hoped the bazaars could help promote handicrafts, as well as to continue the local traditional culture.

40. Mr CHANG King-leung asked whether the FEHD would draw up procedures for applying for bazaar activities in the light of the experience of conducting the Bazaar Scheme.

41. Mr LIU Hing-hung supported the Bazaar Scheme in principle and hoped that the FEHD would initiate the implementation of the scheme.

42. Mr LEUNG Chi-fai responded that he would contact the FEHD Headquarters after the meeting to find out whether application procedures for holding bazaar activities would be drawn up.

43. The Chairman concluded that the Committee supported the Bazaar Scheme. He said that many residents hoped to increase the attractions and attract more visitors to North District through bazaar activities, so as to promote economic development in the district. He also noted that the scheme was implemented in the form of a pilot scheme and hoped that the department concerned would follow up according to FEHD existing regulations and procedures. In addition, he requested the FEHD to provide Members with information on the application procedures for holding bazaar activities in subsequent meetings.

Item 4 - Proposal: Request for Construction of Toilets by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for the Inhabited Sai Lau Kong Village and Kop Tong Village in the Northeast (Paper No. 43/2017 – The Proposal) (Paper No. 44/2017 – Written Response of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department) 44. Mr TSANG Yuk-on presented paper No. 43/2017. He added that there were a few inhabitants in Sai Lau Kong Village and Kop Tong Village. In recent years many hikers travelled by Sai Lau Kong Village, but the place was not provided with public toilets. He had written to the FEHD requesting its attention on the sanitary convenience of rural villages, including Mui Tsz Lam Village, Kop Tong Village and Sai Lau Kong Village. The FEHD replied that it was unable to provide toilets in those places at that time and that follow up actions would be taken. He believed that the department concerned should consider providing mobile toilets for the time being, while in the long run, there should be toilets for villages with regular inhabitants.

(Mr LARM Wai-leung left the meeting at this juncture.)

45. Ms MA Mei-kiu responded as follows:

(a) When the FEHD decided on the provision of mobile toilets and public toilets, it would consider various factors such as the location, visitor flow and sewage disposal facilities. Public toilets mainly served the public and, because of resources limitation, the FEHD would consider providing a public toilet on the basis of potential usage;

(b) Staff of the Department had earlier inspected Sai Lau Kong Village and Kop Tong Village. There were about three households in Sai Lau Kong Village, which was provided with fresh water and electricity supply. The villagers said that there were not too many visitors during holidays. The Department was currently providing cleansing service for Sai Lau Kong Village every two months. In view of the small number of visitors, the Department might not consider providing a public toilet there;

(c) There were about 3 households in Kop Tong Village where there was no fresh water supply. About 200 visitors would pass there during holidays. Should mobile toilets be provided there, it would be difficult for the Department to carry out cleansing services such as desludging due to geographic limitation;

(d) The Department was providing a three-day cleansing service for the public toilet near Lai Chi Wo Ferry Pier every week, which was about 45 minutes’ walk from Kop Tong Village. Visitors could use the public toilet at Lai Chi Wo Ferry Pier before walking to Kop Tong Village.

46. The Chairman said that Sai Lau Kong Village and Kop Tong Village were more remote and hoped that the FEHD would study possible solutions to the problems of sanitary convenience in the long run.

47. Mr TSANG Yuk-on made the following observations:

(a) The Administration had consulted the residents of Sai Lau Kong Village on the incorporation of the enclave at Sai Lau Kong into the Plover Cove Country Park and said that it would improve the facilities there in the future;

(b) He hoped that the FEHD, in conjunction with the departments concerned, would study the short- and long-term measures to improve the sanitation convenience in Sai Lau Kong Village and Kop Tong Village. He also considered that the technical problems of providing public toilets there were not difficult to solve;

(c) During holidays, many tourists visited Mui Tsz Lam area and there were also volunteers taking part in various activities from time to time. He thought it improper to ask these visitors to go all the way to Lai Chi Wo to use the toilet; and

(d) He pointed out that villagers of Sai Lau Kong Village had supported the construction of a drug rehabilitation centre there. The villagers also hoped that they would be able to use the centre’s toilet upon its completion.

48. Mr LIU Hing-hung said that in order to cater for the needs of hikers, the FEHD should provide mobile toilets at Sai Lau Kong Village and Kop Tong Village in the near future.

49. The Chairman concluded that he hoped the FEHD, together with the departments concerned, would study the feasibility of providing public toilets or mobile toilets at Sai Lau Kong Village and Kop Tong Village.

(Mr LI Kwok-fung left the meeting at this juncture.)

Item 5 - Proposal: Request for Provision of Additional Resources by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for Enhancing Cleansing Services for Villages at Lai Chi Wo and Sha Tau Kok (Paper No. 45/2017 – The Proposal) (Paper No. 46/2017 – Written Response of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department)

50. Mr TSANG Yuk-on presented paper No. 45/2017. He added that there were more visitors to Kuk Po, Fung Hang, Lai Chi Wo and Sam A during autumn and winter. He hoped that the FEHD would adjust the cleansing services in these areas accordingly and suggested that the FEHD should regularly clean the paths of Lai Chi Wo with high pressure cleaner. In addition, given that many mainland and overseas tourists had visited Lai Chi Wo in recent years, the poor environmental hygiene would affect the tourists’ impression on Hong Kong.

51. Ms MA Mei-kiu responded that the FEHD had arranged to enhance the cleansing services to Kuk Po, Fung Hang and Lai Chi Wo from October this year. The frequency of cleansing services would be increased from 3 days to 4 days a week. The Department would continue to monitor the situation and adjust the number of days of cleansing service if resources permitted. In addition, due to geographic limitation, it would be difficult for staff of the Department to carry high pressure jet cleaners to Lai Chi Wo to clean the paths. However, the Department would conduct a major cleansing operation at Hip Tin Temple square in due course to improve environmental hygiene. 52. Mr LIU Hing-hung asked how the FEHD would handle the cattle dung collected.

53. Mr CHAN Wai-tat said that the natural scenery of Lai Chi Wo attracted many tourists. He hoped that the FEHD would improve the cleansing service so as not to affect the visitors’ impression of the place. Both Mr LIU Hing-hung and the Chairman said that in recent years, many people had developed eco-tourism and organic farming in Lai Chi Wo.

54. Ms MA Mei-kiu responded that at present the FEHD treated cattle dung as general waste.

55. Mr LIU Hing-hung asked whether the cattle dung collected by the FEHD could be given to farmers for composting.

56. Mr LEUNG Chi-fai responded that he would reflect the views of Members on the handling of cattle dung to the FEHD Headquarters.

(Mr HAU Wing-kong left the meeting at this juncture.)

57. Mr TSANG Yuk-on said that the FEHD could discuss with the farmers in Lai Chi Wo on how to handle the cattle dung collected. In addition, he pointed out that the Lai Chi Wo public toilet had a high usage and the hygiene was poor. He hoped that the FEHD would follow up.

58. The Chairman concluded that the natural environment of Lai Chi Wo was scenic and that the village had retained its traditional characteristics. He pointed out that many tourists visited Lai Chi Wo during holidays and the usage of public toilet was higher. He hoped that the FEHD would strengthen the cleansing service.

Item 6 - Applications for Funds for Community Involvement Projects (Paper No. 47/2017 – Details of Funding Applications) (Paper No. 48/2017 – Past Records of Organisations in Holding Activities)

59. The Chairman said that the Committee had earlier allocated $398,000 for community involvement projects to the Working Group on Tourism Development in North District (“Working Group”). Four applications for funding had been submitted to the Committee by the Working Group. The four applications were made by Hong Kong North District Flower, Bird, Insect and Fish Show Association Limited, Caritas Fanling Chan Chun Ha Secondary School, Association for Sha Tau Kok Culture and Ecology and Kapok Classroom (Hong Kong) Ltd. He asked Members to declare their interests and hand the completed form on declaration of interests to the Secretary.

60. The Chairman said that, to facilitate discussion, the Secretariat had complied a report based on the information gathered, listing out the position of the Members in the relevant organisation. The report (enclosed at the Annex) had been tabled at the meeting for Members’ information. He asked Members if any amendment or supplement need to be made to the information contained in the report. Members did not propose any amendment or supplement.

61. The Secretary presented the provisions of the “Arrangements for Handling of Declarations of Interests of NDC Members and Co-opted Members in Vetting Funding Applications”.

62. The Chairman said that since he was the chairman and the authorised person of the applicant organisation Hong Kong North District Flower, Bird, Insect and Fish Show Association Limited, he had to withdraw from the discussion on the funding application for the “North District Tourism Promotion Week 2017” (enclosed in Annex 1 to Paper No. 47/2017). In accordance with the Standing Orders, if the chairman of a committee was unable to preside at the meeting, the vice-chairman of the committee should perform the duties of the chairman. The Vice-Chairman, Mr WAN Wo-fai, was an honorary advisor to the applicant organisation, Hong Kong North District Flower, Bird, Insect and Fish Show Association Limited, which was a title without executive capacity. He asked those Members who had no interests in the applicant organisation to decide whether Mr WAN Wo-fai could preside at the relevant discussion, decision and voting. Members did not make any comment.

63. The Chairman asked Mr WAN Wo-fai to preside at the discussion of the funding application in Annex 1 to Paper No. 47/2017.

64. Mr WAN Wo-fai asked Members to vet funding application in Annex 1 to Paper No. 47/2017.

(The Chairman left the conference room at this juncture.)

65. The Committee endorsed the funding application in Annex 1 to Paper No. 47/2017. Mr WAN Wo-fai asked the Secretariat staff to invite the Chairman back to the conference room.

(The Chairman returned to the conference room at this juncture.)

66. Mr WAN Wo-fai asked Mr Tony TANG to resume chairmanship.

67. The Chairman invited Members to vet funding applications in Annexes 2 to 4 to Paper No. 47/2017.

68. Regarding the funding application of Kapok Classroom (Hong Kong) Ltd, Mr CHAN Yuk-ming asked whether the film trailer for the activity could be shown to the public through other channels and whether it could be provided to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (“HKTB”) to promote North District.

69. The Secretary responded that, according to the programme description on the Funds Application Form submitted by the applicant organisation, film trailer of the tourist attractions shot for the programme would be uploaded to different online platforms for public viewing. If the Committee deemed it necessary, the applicant organisation might be requested to share the copyright of the film trailer with the District Council.

70. Mr CHAN Yuk-ming said that the Working Group had decided at a previous meeting to invite representatives from the Tourism Commission and the HKTB to attend the Working Group meetings, but so far no representative from the department and organisation concerned had attended the meeting.

71. The Secretary responded that, according to the discussions at the previous meeting of the Working Group, the Chairman of the Working Group had earlier written to invite representatives from the Tourism Commission and the HKTB to attend the meetings of the Working Group. The Secretariat was discussing with the Tourism Commission and the HKTB on the arrangements.

72. The Chairman asked the Secretariat to continue to follow up the matters relating to the invitation of representatives from the Tourism Commission and the HKTB to attend meetings of the Working Group.

(Post-meeting note: The Tourism Commission had replied on 19 July 2017 that its representative would attend the next meeting of the Working Group to be held in September.)

73. Mr LIU Hing-hung suggested asking Kapok Classroom (Hong Kong) Ltd to share the copyright of the film trailer with the District Council.

74. The Chairman said that the copyright of the film trailer was to be shared with the District Council.

75. The Committee endorsed the funding applications in Annexes 2 to 4 to Paper No. 47/2017. The Chairman said that since the District Council funds applied in both Annex 1 and Annex 2 to Paper No. 47/2017 exceeded $100,000, the application for funding would be submitted to the full Council meeting for approval.

(Post-meeting note: The NDC had endorsed the above two applications at the 11th meeting held on 27 July 2017.)

Item 7 - Applications for Funds for Community Participation Programme in Environmental Protection in Collaboration with District Councils 2017-18 (Paper No. 49/2017 – Details of Funding Application) (Paper No. 50/2017 – Past Record of Organisation in Holding Activities)

76. The Chairman said that the Committee had received a total of $200,000 from the Environmental Protection Department (“EPD”) under the Community Participation Programme in Environmental Protection in Collaboration with District Councils this year, and the Secretariat had previously invited local organisations to apply for funding. As of 21 June this year, the Secretariat had received an application for funding from the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association. He asked Members to declare their interests and handed the completed form on declaration of interests to the Secretary.

(Mr HAU Hon-shek and Mr KO Wai-kei left the meeting at this juncture.)

77. The Chairman said that, according to the information gathered by the Secretariat, no members had held posts in the applicant organisation.

78. The Chairman said that the Secretary had introduced, in item 6, the Arrangements for Handling of Declarations of Interests of NDC Members and Co-opted Members in Vetting Funding Applications. He invited Members to vet the funding application in Paper No. 49/2017.

79. The Committee endorsed the funding application in Paper No. 49/2017.

Item 8 - Proposed District Minor Works Projects

(a) Proposal: Request for Provision of a Cover at the Drop-off Layby for Bus Route 273 at Wah Ming Bus Terminus Connecting to the Shopping Centre (Paper No. 51/2017) 80. Mr YIU Ming presented Paper No. 51/2017.

81. Mr CHAN Wai-tat supported the project. He said that Route 273 had more than 200 trips a day and that a large number of passengers had used the bus route to access the main residential areas at Fanling South. He hoped that the works could be carried out as soon as possible.

82. Ms Maggie KWONG responded that the North District Office (“NDO”) had referred the above proposal to the Transport Department and Kowloon Motor Bus (1933) Limited for follow-up. It was understood that the department and organisation concerned had not adopted the views of Members. The NDO would actively follow up the proposal. According to the preliminary study, part of the location set out in the proposal might overlap with the area under the jurisdiction of the Wah Ming Estate Owners’ Corporations. If the works were to be carried out, the land title should be clarified first.

83. Mr YIU Ming said that it was understood that the location set out in the proposal was part of the Wah Ming Shopping Centre and was managed by the Link Asset Management Limited.

84. Mr YAU Kin-chung said that according to past experience, if the works location involved leased land, it would take much time to discuss with the land lessee on details of the works. In addition, as the proposed works involved maintenance of the external walls of Wah Ming Shopping Centre, the proposed cover might not be able to fully cover the section of the road from the bus terminus to the shopping centre. The NDO would conduct field inspections with the Member making the proposal to study the feasibility of the proposed project and report to the Committee in due course.

85. The Chairman concluded that the Committee supported the project in principle. He requested the NDO to conduct technical NDO assessment on the project and report the progress to the Committee at subsequent meetings. (b) Proposal: Request for Provision of Benches at the Covered Pedestrian Walkway Outside King Shing Court (Paper No. 52/2017)

86. Mr YIU Ming presented Paper No. 52/2017.

87. Mr YAU Kin-chung said that if the proposal was supported by the Committee, the NDO would follow up the relevant works. He pointed out that the works would help to build an age friendly community and hoped to build a community that met the needs of all age groups through the implementation of works and other efforts.

88. The Committee supported the project.

(c) Proposal: Request for Provision of Roof Cover for Passageway at the Section of Jockey Club Road Outside Tin Ping Estate (Paper No. 53/2017)

89. Mr LAU Ki-fung presented Paper No. 53/2017.

90. Ms Maggie KWONG said that the NDO noted Members’ proposal. She pointed out that many residents had used that road section after the completion of the project “Construction of a Cover to Passageway at Lung Sum Avenue” (ND-DMW162). However, the cover to the passageway should not span the carriageway, and there were lots of trees along the section of Jockey Club Road outside Tin Ping Estate. The NDO would work out a feasible works design taking into account the relevant factors.

91. Mr WONG Wang-to agreed to the proposal. He had previously submitted a proposal to the Committee for the construction of a cover to the passageway on some sections of Lung Sum Avenue and the section of Jockey Club Road outside Tin Ping Estate. After conducting a feasibility study, the NDO considered that apart from a section of Lung Sum Avenue outside Sheung Shui Garden No.1, there was technical difficulty in constructing covers to passageway on other sections. He said that with the completion of the project “Construction of a Cover to Passageway at Lung Sum Avenue” (ND-DMW162), it was time to study how to solve the technical problems of constructing covers to passageway at the other sections of the road. He hoped the works would be completed as soon as possible for residents’ sake.

92. Mr YAU Kin-chung said that the construction of cover to passageway on the section of the road covered by the proposal would affect the trees there. Moreover, the road was rather narrow. It was suggested that a feasibility study be carried out by the NDO and the term consultant to work out a preliminary project estimate, to ensure that the cost of the works did not exceed the $30 million ceiling for district minor works projects. The relevant regulations provided that the works could not be carried out in phases. The NDO would provide relevant information to the Committee for discussion at subsequent meetings.

93. The Chairman said that the proposal could provide the convenience to the residents in the vicinity of Tin Ping Estate.

94. Mr LAU Ki-fung said that pedestrian flow at the section of Lung Sum Avenue outside Sheung Shui Garden No.1 was comparable with that at the section of Jockey Club Road outside Tin Ping Estate. He considered that feasibility study on the works at the road section covered in the proposal should be carried out as soon as possible, and the Committee would consider how to implement the works upon completion of the preliminary study.

95. Mr YIU Ming said that in order to solve the technical problem, the relevant departments should make reference to the passageway cover design and construction materials used in other places.

96. Mr Warwick WAN supported the project in principle. However, he questioned whether the works could be carried out without damaging the trees and hoped that the departments concerned would study the feasibility of the works. 97. Mr YAU Kin-chung said that the growth of roots, trunks and the crown a tree was proportionate. If the above proposal had the support of the Committee, the NDO would study the options to carry out the project.

98. The Chairman concluded that the Committee supported the NDO project in principle and requested the NDO to study the details of the works.

Item 9 - Progress Report of District Minor Works Projects (Paper No. 54/2017)

99. The Chairman welcomed the following representatives to the meeting:

Mr Chris HO Architect (Works) 1, Home Affairs Department Ms HUI Yee-man Associate Director, WCWP International Limited

100. Ms Maggie KWONG presented Paper No. 54/2017. She added that there was a delay in the construction of the project “Construction of Walkway Cover at Yat Ming Road connecting Avon Park and MTR Fanling Station” (ND-DMW163). The NDO had written to the contractor earlier requesting for expedition of the works.

101. Dr Raymond HO would like to know the communication between the NDO and the contractor on the project “Construction of Walkway Cover at Yat Ming Road connecting Avon Park and MTR Fanling Station” (ND-DMW163). In addition, he had pointed out that one of the posts of the walkway cover to be constructed under the project was located outside the entrance to Pak Fuk Tin Sum Playground near Avon Park, and might pose danger to residents, but had not received any response.

102. Ir George PANG asked the expected completion date of the project “Construction of Walkway Cover at Yat Ming Road connecting Avon Park and MTR Fanling Station” (ND-DMW163) and hoped that the term consultant would closely monitor the progress of the works. In addition, he asked for the implementation timetable of proposal “Provision of Rain Shelter at Fanling Station Road with extension to the Railway Station” and project “Construction of a Nest Letter Box Stand at Wong Kong Shan, Fanling” (ND-DMW250).

103. Mr YIU Ming would like the NDO and the term consultant to monitor the progress of the project “Construction of Walkway Cover at Yat Ming Road connecting Avon Park and MTR Fanling Station” (ND-DMW163) and considered that the contractor should deploy more workers to catch up with the progress of the project when the weather was good.

104. Mr LIU Hing-hung pointed out that the project “Construction of a Pavilion near Lamp Post No. VD1700 at Tin Ping Shan Tsuen, Sheung Shui” (ND-DMW254) was expected to commence work in December this year. He asked whether tender for the project had been invited and hoped that the project would start as soon as possible so that the progress would not be affected by the coming rainy season.

105. Mr HAU Tim-kau said that the information on the project “Construction of a Nest Letter Box Stand behind Miami Crescent, Ying Pun, Sheung Shui” (ND-DMW256) in the Annex to Paper No. 54/2017 was incorrect.

106. Regarding the project “Construction of Cover for the Lay-by outside Luen Wo Market and Belair Monte”, Mr LAU Ki-fung asked whether China Light and Power Limited (“CLP”) had completed the relocation of underground facilities at the proposed works location, and asked for the implementation timetable.

107. Ms Maggie KWONG said that she had responded at the last meeting of the Committee on the location of the post of proposed walkway cover under the project “Construction of Walkway Cover at Yat Ming Road connecting Avon Park and MTR Fanling Station” (ND-DMW163). The NDO had conducted field inspections with the Member making the proposal and term consultant and considered that the position of the post was at a certain distance from the entrance to Pak Fuk Tin Sum Playground near Avon Park and would not pose a safety hazard. Members may refer to the relevant minutes to grasp the issue. The NDO would provide Members with information on communication with the contractor on the project. In addition, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (“CEDD”) had conducted a series of traffic studies at the location of the project proposal “Provision of Rain Shelter at Fanling Station Road with extension to the Railway Station”. An overall planning scheme was yet to work out. The NDO was conducting advance work on the proposal and would keep liaising with the CEDD with a view to commencing the work as soon as possible.

108. Mr TANG Kwan-yeung replied as follows:

(a) Works on the project “Construction of a Nest Letter Box Stand at Wong Kong Shan, Fanling” (ND-DMW250) would commence in August this year as scheduled;

(b) The NDO was applying for temporary land allocation to the Lands Department for the project “Construction of a Pavilion near Lamp Post No. VD1700 at Tin Ping Shan Tsuen, Sheung Shui” (ND-DMW254) and would commence the works as soon as practicable;

(c) Works for the proposal “Construction of Cover for the Lay-by outside Luen Wo Market and Belair Monte” had not yet commenced because CLP had not completed the relocation of the underground facilities at the proposed works location; and

(d) The information on the project “Construction of a Nest Letter Box Stand behind Miami Crescent, Ying Pun, Sheung Shui” (ND-DMW256) in the Annex to Paper No. 54/2017 was incorrect. Works were expected to commence in August this year.

(Post-meeting Note: The NDO amended the proposed project details of “Construction of a Nest Letter Box Stand behind Miami Crescent, Ying Pun, Sheung Shui” (ND-DMW256) in Annex to Paper No. 54/2017 after the meeting: “Many village houses near Miami Crescent, Ying Pun, Sheung Shui do not have proper address and house number, and postal delivery to the residents often meet with problems. It is recommended that a nest letter box be provided behind Miami Crescent, Ying Pun, Sheung Shui to centralise postal delivery for the convenience of the residents in Ying Pun.” The approved project cost is $250,000.)

109. Dr Raymond HO hoped that the minutes of this meeting would reflect his views on the location of the proposed post for the walkway cover under the project “Construction of Walkway Cover at Yat Ming Road connecting Avon Park and MTR Fanling Station” (ND-DMW163). He said that many residents were looking forward to the completion of the project and were disappointed at the delay. He also pointed out that there were few workers at the work site.

110. Mr YAU Kin-chung responded that the NDO would try to enable the early completion of the works. The minutes of the meeting would also reflect the views expressed by Members and the response of the relevant departments. The NDO would provide Members with information on the communication with the contractor on the project “Construction of Walkway Cover at Yat Ming Road connecting Avon Park and MTR Fanling Station” (ND-DMW163).

111. Regarding the project “Construction of Cover for the Lay-by outside Luen Wo Market and Belair Monte”, Mr LAU Ki-fung asked when would CLP complete the relocation of underground facilities at the proposed works location.

112. Mr TANG Kwan-yeung responded that he did not have the information at hand. However, Works Section of NDO would keep in touch with CLP with a view to having the underground facilities relocated soon.

113. Mr TSANG Hing-lung hoped that works on the project proposal “Construction of Cover for the Lay-by outside Luen Wo Market and Belair Monte” would commence as soon as possible.

114. The Chairman asked the departments concerned to actively follow up Members’ views.

115. The Committee noted the report.

Item 10 - Situation Report on Village Lighting Programme (Paper No. 55/2017)

116. Mr Bernard NG presented Paper No. 55/2017.

117. Mr LIU Hing-hung asked whether the procedure for applying for installation of village lighting was the same as the procedure for applying for relocation of village lighting, and how long it would take to process application for the relocation of village lighting.

118. Mr Bernard NG responded that when an application for installation of village lighting was received, the NDO would include the application in the waiting list for application of village lighting. With regard to the application for the relocation of village lighting, the NDO would refer the application to the Highways Department (“HyD”) for follow-up action. The HyD would examine the plans relating to the proposed relocation, check the underground utility at the location and whether the location was on private land, and study the feasibility with the relevant organisation or landowner. Upon completion of the relevant technical studies, the NDO would follow up with the applicant on the remaining work on the relocation of village lighting. 119. The Committee noted the report.

Item 11 - Report of the Working Group on Tourism Development in North District

120. The Chairman of the Working Group, Mr WAN Wo-fai, reported that the Working Group had vetted and endorsed four funding applications submitted by Hong Kong North District Flower, Bird, Insect and Fish Show Association Limited, Caritas Fanling Chan Chun Ha Secondary School, Association for Sha Tau Kok Culture and Ecology and Kapok Classroom (Hong Kong) Ltd. at the 4th meeting held on 29 June 2017. The Committee had also endorsed the funding applications just now.

121. The Committee noted the report.

Item 12 - Any Other Business

122. Mr Kent TSANG said that at the last meeting of the Committee, he had asked the departments concerned to provide information on the construction of a noise barrier at the section of Fanling Highway near Tsung Pak Long. He pointed out that the implementation of the North East New Territories New Development Areas might increase the traffic flow of Ma Sik Road and Fanling Highway and did not understand why the departments concerned had considered building a noise barrier on some sections of Ma Sik Road without any plans for constructing noise barrier at the section of Fanling Highway in Tsung Pak Long. He had requested for the construction of noise barrier at that road section, and the department concerned had not given any specific reply.

123. Mr LAU Ki-fung said that he had asked the NDO to examine the section of walkway at Tin Ping Shan Tsuen and asked about the implementation timetable for the relevant road levelling works.

124. Dr Raymond HO said that the noise barriers of the Fanling Highway near Avon Park were overgrown with weeds and were damaged. He hoped that the relevant departments would follow up.

125. Mr LI Kim-man responded that it was understood that CEDD planned to widen the section of Fanling Highway near Tsung Pak Long and Tai Tau Leng to cater for the proposed road improvement works in Kwu Tung North and Fanling North New Development Area. To mitigate the impact of road widening on the residents, the CEDD planned to add noise barriers and noise enclosures to the relevant sections. The EPD would provide relevant information to Members when the implementation timetable for the works was confirmed.

126. Mr Kent TSANG did not understand why the departments concerned had put forward a timetable for the provision of noise barriers on some sections of Ma Sik Road, but had no specific plan to carry out the same works at the section of Fanling Highway near Tsung Pak Long. He hoped that the departments concerned would provide a timetable for the implementation of the project.

127. The Chairman requested the EPD to provide relevant EPD information to Members at subsequent meetings.

128. Ms Maggie KWONG responded by saying that the NDO would follow up on matters relating to the section of walkway at Tin Ping Shan Tsuen under the Rural Public Works Programme.

Item 6 - Date of Next Meeting

129. The Chairman announced that the next meeting would be held at 2:30 p.m. on 18 September 2017 (Monday) in the NDC Conference Room.

130. The meeting was adjourned at 4:58 p.m.

North District Council Secretariat September 2017

附件

北區區議會地區小型工程及環境改善委員會第 10 次會議委員會撥款申請委員在有關活動主辦／合辦 ╱ 協辦機構擔任的職位 *

活動名稱北區旅遊推廣週 2017 賞玩北區旅遊推廣計劃 2017 香港北區花鳥蟲魚展覽會有主辦團體明愛粉嶺陳震夏中學限公司合辦團體 - - 協辦團體 - -

鄧根年議員 , MH 主席／機構獲授權人溫和輝議員 , MH 名譽顧問何樹光議員名譽顧問李冠洪議員名譽會長李國鳳議員名譽會長侯志強議員名譽會長侯福達議員姚銘議員名譽顧問校友會司庫陳旭明議員陳崇輝議員名譽會長陳惠達議員名譽顧問彭振聲議員 , MH 委員／名譽會長曾勁聰議員曾興隆議員名譽顧問黃宏滔議員 , MH 名譽顧問溫和達議員廖興洪議員名譽顧問劉其烽議員劉國勳議員 , MH 蘇西智議員 , SBS, MH 榮譽會長藍偉良議員名譽顧問活動名稱北區旅遊推廣週 2017 賞玩北區旅遊推廣計劃 2017 香港北區花鳥蟲魚展覽會有主辦團體明愛粉嶺陳震夏中學限公司合辦團體 - - 協辦團體 - -

侯添球先生侯榮光先生侯漢碩先生高維基先生張京樑先生張玉麟先生曾玉安先生彭華英先生劉容壽先生

* 秘書處根據蒐集所得的資料編製此報表，委員只在此報表載列的兩個撥款申請機構中擔任職位。