SDC Paper No. 1/2020 (For Information)

SDC Paper No. 1/2020 (for information)

Southern District Council

Report from the Area Committees

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the major items discussed during the Area Committees meetings.

Items Discussed

I. East Area Committee (EAC)

Matters Discussed at the Meeting Held in September 2019

(a) Overgrown Weeds on Roadside (locations in the Vicinity of Stanley, Chung Hom Kok and Tai Tam)

A member said that there were overgrown weeds on the roadside in the vicinity of Stanley, Chung Hom Kok and Tai Tam, affecting the safety of pedestrians, and the situation of Stanley Ma Hang Park had been particularly serious. Hence, the member requested that the relevant department should deploy additional cleansing workers to carry out the weed-cutting work at the aforesaid roads.

(b) Construction of Walkway along the Waterfront near Jumbo Pier Connecting Sham Wan and Ocean Court

A member suggested at the last meeting that a walkway be constructed along the waterfront near Jumbo Pier connecting Sham Wan and Ocean Court. The relevant department responded that there was no plan yet to develop a walkway at the aforesaid location.

At the last meeting, a member suggested adding crash barriers to a section of 46 Tai Tam Road (Lamp Post Nos. 38680-38682). The Transport Department (TD) responded that the effect of installing crash barriers at the aforesaid road section would not be significant, but TD would consider adding a “Slow” traffic sign to remind drivers to drive carefully.

(d) Clearance of Fallen Trees Near Big Wave Bay Road (near Lamp Post No. 27667)

A member requested at the last meeting that the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) should deploy staff to clear the fallen trees near Big Wave Bay Road (near Lamp Post No. 27667). FEHD responded that the trees at the aforesaid location had been properly cleared.

(e) Safety Advice for Dragon’s Back Hiking Trail, Shek O and Adding Safety Warning Signs in Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve

A member suggested at the last meeting that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) should add safety warning signs in the vicinity of the Dragon’s Back Hiking Trail of Shek O and Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve. AFCD responded that safety warning signs had been installed at some suitable locations of the Dragon’s Back Hiking Trail in Shek O. It would also consider adding warning signs in the Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve to remind visitors to beware of their own safety.

(f) Request Removal or Cancellation of Nam Long Shan Road Refuse Collection Point

A member suggested at the last meeting that FEHD should implement the removal or cancellation of the Nam Long Shan Road Refuse Collection Point (RCP) as soon as possible. FEHD responded that in view of the fact that the public and organisations still had a need for the aforesaid RCP, FEHD decided to retain the RCP. A member said that he was persuading the affected organisations to withdraw their objecting views. If there was any progress, he would request FEHD to continue following up the above matter.

(g) Requests for Improving the Design of NWFB No. 9 Bus Stop at Shek O Road and Introducing a Special Departure of NWFB Route No. 9

A member suggested at the last meeting that the design of the NWFB No. 9 Bus Stop (opposite to 21 Shek O Road) should be improved, and requested the introduction of a special departure of NWFB Route No. 9. TD responded that due to the constraint of the surrounding terrain, it was difficult to widen the footpath of the bus stop. Moreover, TD was discussing with the New World First Bus Services Limited the introduction of a special departure of NWFB Route No. 9, to be departed from Shau Kei Wan at 5:42 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays) and routed via Big Wave Bay. Any further progress would be reported to the EAC again.

(h) Proposed Designation of a Road Section in Stanley as No Cycling Zone on Mondays to Fridays

A member suggested at the last meeting that TD should designate a road section in Stanley as No Cycling Zone on Mondays to Fridays. TD responded that the condition of roads in Stanley was suitable for cyclists, and thus TD had no plan to set up a No Cycling Zone at the present stage. During the meeting, another member suggested that the road sections leading from Stanley and the Bays Area to Tai Tam Road should be designated as No Cycling Zone. TD was also requested to follow up the members’ proposals.

Matters discussed at meeting held in December 2019

(a) Roadside Weed-cutting in Stanley, Chung Hom Kok and Tai Tam Road

At the last meeting, a member requested the Highways Department (HyD) and Ma Hang Estate Property Management Services Office to deploy additional manpower for cutting the weeds on the roadside in Stanley, Chung Hom Kok and Tai Tam Road. HyD and Ma Hang Estate Property Management Services Office said that weed-cutting work had been completed at the aforesaid road sections in mid October and early November 2019 respectively.

(b) Proposed Repaving of Footpath and Addition of Fences at No. 9 Bus Stop at Shek O Road

At the last meeting, a member suggested repaving the footpath for No. 9 Bus Stop at Shek O Road with addition of fences. In its reply to EAC, TD said that they were seeking advice from the relevant department at the present stage. Subject to endorsement of the proposal, the works would commence accordingly.

(c) Proposed Designation of all Roads in Repulse Bay and the Road Section of Tai Tam Road leading to Stanley as No Cycling Zone during Peak Hours on Mondays to Fridays

At the last meeting, a member suggested that all roads in Repulse Bay and the road section of Tai Tam Road leading to Stanley should be designated as No Cycling Zone on Mondays to Fridays. TD responded that the condition of the aforesaid road sections was suitable for cycling, and thus TD had no plan to set up a No Cycling Zone at the present stage. A member proposed that TD be requested again to consider designating the aforesaid road sections as No Cycling Zone during morning and afternoon peak hours on Mondays to Fridays.

(d) Request Removal or Cancellation of Nam Long Shan Road RCP

A member enquired about the progress of the proposed removal or cancellation of Nam Long Shan Road RCP. Representative of FEHD responded that since a residential care home objected to the said proposal and there was still actual demand for the RCP, FEHD had no plan to remove or cancel the RCP at the present stage. Another member requested FEHD to provide the EAC with the daily amount of refuse collected by the RCP. He also hoped that FEHD would help liaise with the responsible person who objected to the proposal in order to seek the objector’s consent for disclosure of his/her personal data, such that the EAC members could persuade the relevant objector to withdraw his/her objecting views.

(e) Traffic Problem in Stanley

A member said that the 2019 Christmas Market held on 7, 8, 14 and 15 December 2019 had caused a substantial increase in traffic flow in Stanley on Saturdays and Sundays, and that the illegal parking problem of private vehicles was very serious. Hence, the Police was requested to deploy additional manpower during the 2019 Christmas Market held on 21 and 22 December 2019 in order to cope with the illegal parking problem.

(f) Mosquito Problem in Tai Tam Tuk Village

A member said that mosquito bleeding problem was serious in Tai Tam Tuk Village. FEHD was requested to deploy staff to carry out anti-mosquito work at the aforesaid location.

(g) Traffic Congestion near the Junction of Pak Pat Shan Road and Tai Tam Road

A member said that the traffic condition at the junction of Pak Pat Shan Road and Tai Tam Road was very congested during the peak hours every morning. The member concerned hoped that TD could work out a solution for improvement.

(h) Problem of Refuse Accumulation near the Hillside opposite to Redhill Plaza and along the Roads of Turtle Cove

A member said that refuse had accumulated near the hillside opposite to Redhill Plaza and along the roads of Turtle Cove. FEHD was asked to deploy additional manpower and urge its outsourced cleansing contractors to enhance clearance.

(i) Licensed Ferry Service between Aberdeen and Cheung Chau

A member said that TD had received an application from Maris Ferry Service Limited, operator of the ferry service between Aberdeen and Cheung Chau, requesting to return the ferry service licence and terminate the ferry service of the aforesaid route on 31 December 2019. To attract operators to bid for the said ferry service, TD would relax the requirements for the ferry service, and invite tenders again in early December 2019. Members suggested that TD offer additional concessionary terms such as granting of subsidies for fuel expenses, so as to attract interested parties to bid for the operation of the ferry service.

(j) Fun Party for the Elderly in Southern District East Area

The “Fun Party for the Elderly in Southern District East Area”, organised by the EAC and sponsored by the Southern District Council and the Home Affairs Department, was successfully held on 11 December 2019 (Wednesday) at Hsin Kuang Banquet Hall, 3/F of Aberdeen Centre (Block 3) from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.. On that day, there were 29 tables in total, together with variety show and lucky draw sessions. The party was a great fun enjoyed by all the participating elderly.

II. South Area Committee (SAC)

Matters Discussed at the Meeting Held in December 2019

(a) Illegal Parking in Ap Lei Chau

A member reflected that there was illegal parking problem at the following locations in Ap Lei Chau. In this regard, members asked the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and relevant departments to step up their patrol and law enforcement efforts, and to provide the number of prosecutions instituted for members’ reference:

(1) Main Street, Ap Lei Chau (2) The vicinity of Aberdeen Baptist Lui Ming Choi College (3) The vicinity of Hong Kong Southern District Government Primary School at Lee Nam Road (4) Yi Nam Road near Exit A of MTR South Horizons Station (5) Ap Lei Chau Estate (near Lei Fook House) (6) Emergency vehicular access at Lei Tung Estate (Tung Ping House, Tung Sing House, Tung On House and Tung Yat House) (7) Hatched area opposite to Marina Square East Centre (8) The vicinity of the planters at Ap Lei Chau Estate Bus Terminus (9) Main Street, Ap Lei Chau Bus Terminus

The relevant departments have provided the number of prosecutions instituted and said that they would continue to closely monitor the situation, step up their patrol efforts and institute prosecutions against illegally parked vehicles.

(b) Concern over the Operation of NWFB Route No. 595

A member reported the low frequency of NWFB Route No. 595 and asked TD to monitor the operation of the route. TD said that it would continue to urge the bus company to step up monitoring of the operation of the bus route and make suitable redeployment where necessary to maintain frequency stability.

A member said that environmentally friendly buses provided with fewer seats had been deployed for Citybus Route No. 98 during some service periods. As quite a lot of elderly were taking that bus route, some of them had to stand during the journey due to insufficient seats on board. It was hoped that the bus company would deploy bus models with a higher seating capacity to that bus route during peak hours. Besides, the member also reported the low frequency of Route No. 98 during morning hours. TD said that it had requested Citybus to closely monitor the passenger demand for Route No. 98 and deploy buses with a higher carrying capacity where necessary.

(d) Addition of On-street Metered Parking Spaces and Double Yellow Lines in Ap Lei Chau

SAC would continue to monitor the progress of adding motorcycle parking spaces at Lee Nam Road, and requested TD to continue to explore feasible options for improving the traffic conditions of Main Street, Ap Lei Chau and Yuet Hoi Street. TD said that it was conducting a study on adding parking spaces at suitable locations.

(e) Extension of Railings at Exit B of MTR Lei Tung Station

A member reflected that a lot of pedestrians passed through the gap between railings and crossed the road directly outside Exit B of MTR Lei Tung Station without using the zebra crossing, which posed danger to drivers and other pedestrians. TD said that it had planned to add road signs and road markings near the zebra crossing so as to give instructions to passers-by and passing vehicles. The relevant works were expected to complete in the first quarter of 2020.

(f) Unsightly Streetscape arising from Ubiquitous Occurrence of Fly-posting on Lamp Posts

A member reported the problem of fly-posting at lamp posts near Exit A of MTR South Horizons Station and the bus stop off Lei Chak House, Ap Lei Chau Estate, as well as the footbridge between Ap Lei Chau Estate and South Horizons. FEHD said that it would arrange for regular blitz inspections at the said locations. It would also remind the cleansing contractor to step up cleansing of illegal publicity items and be mindful of the cleanliness of the streets.

(g) Problem of Stray Dogs in Ap Lei Chau

A member said that quite a number of stray dogs were still found in the vicinity of Wind Tower Park and the shipyard at Ap Lei Chau Praya Road. Upon discussion, SAC asked AFCD to continue its patrol and capture operations for stray dogs.

At the SAC meeting on 18 December 2019, AFCD responded to members that it had conducted 236 inspections and captured seven stray dogs in Ap Lei Chau in the past three years. The number of complaints about dog nuisance had dropped from 29 cases in 2017 to nine cases in 2019. AFCD said that it would continue its inspection efforts. In case the dog nuisance deteriorated, AFCD would capture the dogs in question and conduct investigations according to the relevant procedures. If there was sufficient evidence, it would prosecute the dog owners concerned. AFCD would also carry out publicity and education work during inspections so that dog owners would control their dogs properly with a view to minimising the nuisance of uncontrolled dogs caused to passers-by.

(h) Problems of Wild Pigeon Feeding and Pigeon Droppings in Ap Lei Chau

A member said that the situation had yet to be improved. In this regard, SAC asked FEHD to follow up and provide the number of prosecutions instituted for members’ reference. FEHD had provided the number of prosecutions as required and said that it would continue to step up its publicity, education and enforcement efforts. It would also instruct the cleansing contractor to be mindful of the cleanliness of the locations concerned.

(i) Imposition of Control over Large Dogs

A member reported the spotting of quite a number of unmuzzled large dogs. AFCD said that it would continue to step up its inspection and education efforts so as to minimise the nuisance of dogs caused to the neighbouring residents.

(j) Problem of Erection of Promotional Easy-mount Frames and Touting Activities at Yi Nam Road and Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road

A member said that in daytime some employees were engaging in promotional and touting activities while in the evening quite a number of easy-mount frames were placed on the pavements causing obstruction to the pedestrians. FEHD said that they had noticed the situation and would arrange for regular blitz inspections at the said locations.

(k) Rodent Problem

A member reflected that the rodent problem in the vicinity of Ap Lei Chau, especially South Horizons and Ap Lei Chau Estate, required further improvement measures. FEHD said that it had strengthened its anti-rodent measures at the public places outside South Horizons and Ap Lei Chau Estate. FEHD would continue to give advice on anti-rodent measures to the management company of South Horizons and Ap Lei Chau Estate so as to eradicate the rodent problem.

(l) Feeding of Animals and Refuse on the Slope Opposite to Hong Kong True Light College

A member reported the environmental hygiene problem caused by animal feeding and refuse accumulated on the slope opposite to Hong Kong True Light College. FEHD said that no accumulated refuse or animal feeding was found in the vicinity of the slope during inspection. FEHD staff would continue to monitor the situation of the said location and take actions as appropriate.

(m) Placement of Refuse at Exit A of MTR South Horizons Station

A member said that the situation had yet to be improved and requested FEHD to continue its follow-up action. FEHD said that it had reflected the problem to the MTR Corporation Limited and requested the latter to avoid leaving refuse on the street or public places over a protracted time and to avoid causing environmental hygiene problems.

III. West Area Committee (WAC)

Matters Discussed at the Meeting Held in September 2019

(a) Illegal Parking at the Southern District Rehabus Stop of Wah Kwai Estate

A member reflected that there was always illegal parking in the vicinity of the Southern District Rehab Access bus stop of Wah Kwai Estate, causing inconvenience to service users when boarding and alighting from the buses. WAC would liaise with TD to work out a solution.

(Post-meeting note: TD replied that they would follow up the issue.)

(b) Hygiene Problem of Wah Fu Estate Market Public Toilet

A member reflected that the hygiene condition of the Wah Fu Estate Market Public Toilet was undesirable, such as water leakage and foul odour were produced all the time. Representative of the Housing Department (HD) responded that they would follow up accordingly.

A member was concerned that the problem of illegal parking was serious in the vicinity of Wah Fu Road after 10 p.m. HD was thus urged to strengthen its law enforcement action. The HD representative responded that they would monitor the aforesaid situation.

(d) Proposal to Set Up a RCP at Pok Fu Lam Village

A member reflected that no RCP had been set up at Pok Fu Lam Village. Also, the existing temporary RCP could not meet the daily needs of residents effectively. Hence, he hoped that the department concerned would consider the proposal of setting up an official RCP in the Village. WAC would conduct a site visit with the department as soon as possible in order to explore the feasibility of setting up a RCP.

(Post-meeting note: The FEHD replied that as there is no suitable site for setting up a RCP in Pokfulam Village, the proposal would not be considered for the time being.)

IV. North Area Committee (NAC)

Matters Discussed at the Meeting Held in September 2019

(a) Environmental Hygiene Problem outside Kai Bo Frozen Meat Shop in Tin Wan

A member requested that officers of FEHD should continue to conduct inspection at the location concerned and take appropriate action.

(b) Environmental Hygiene Problem of Kai Bo Frozen Meat Shop on Aberdeen Main Road

A member requested that officers of FEHD should continue to conduct inspection at the location concerned and take appropriate action.

A member said that the hygiene condition of the alley had yet to be improved, and urged FEHD to step up prosecution against offenders of illegal dumping.

(d) Problem of Shop Front Extensions

A member said that the enforcement action taken by FEHD against illegal extension of shops’ business area had not been satisfactory over the years, and requested that the relevant department should strengthen its law enforcement action.

Advice Sought

2. Members are invited to note the content of this paper.

Secretariat, Southern District Council January 2020