The 15th Meeting of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Committee of the Kowloon City District Council
Date: 3 May 2018 (Thursday) Time: 2:39 p.m. Venue: Conference Room, Kowloon City District Office
Present: Vice-chairman: Mr KWAN Ho-yeung Members: Mr PUN Kwok-wah, JP Mr YUE Chee-wing, Admond Mr YANG Wing-kit (Left at 5:20 p.m.) Mr YEUNG Chun-yu, Ronald Mr TING Kin-wa (Left at 4:17 p.m.) Mr HE Huahan Mr NG Po-keung (Arrived at 3:00 p.m.) Dr the Honourable Priscilla LEUNG (Left at 4:13 p.m.) Mei-fun, SBS, JP Mr LAM Tak-shing Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming Mr NG Fan-kam, Tony Mr CHO Wui-hung (Left at 3:55 p.m.) Ms LEUNG Yuen-ting (Arrived at 2:42 p.m.) Mr SIU Tin-hung, Terence Mr LAI Kwong-wai Mr SIU Leong-sing (Left at 6:53 p.m.) Miss KWONG Po-yin Ir CHEUNG Yan-hong, MH Mr HO Hin-ming, BBS, MH Mr LAM Pok, Jimmy (Left at 6:36 p.m.) The Honourable Starry LEE Wai-king, (Left at 3:35 p.m.) SBS, JP
Secretary: Mr TSO Yuen-kiu, Brian Executive Officer (District Council) 2, Kowloon City District Office
Absent: Mr LO Chiu-kit
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In Attendance: Mr TANG Wai-kuen, Samuel Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Regional East) 5, Environmental Protection Department Mr TSOI Yuen-ming District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Kowloon City), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Ms CHAN Foon-chi, Judith Deputy District Leisure Manager (Kowloon City)2, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Miss SO Yi-ching, Venus Assistant District Officer, Kowloon City District Office Mr YU Man-chun, Jeff Executive Officer I (District Management), Kowloon City District Office Mr AU YEUNG Long, Calvin Executive Officer (District Management), Kowloon City District Office
Attendance by Invitation: Item 2 Mr TANG Kim-man Assistant Divisional Commander (Operations) (Hung Hom), Hong Kong Police Force Mr PONG Wing-ho Assistant Police Community Relations Officer (Kowloon City District), Hong Kong Police Force
Item 3 Dr LEE Tsz-leung Hospital Chief Executive, Hong Kong Children's Hospital Ms Miscelle KWOK Chief Hospital Administrator, Hong Kong Children's Hospital Ms Vivian TO Senior Executive Officer (External Relations & Donation Management), Hong Kong Children's Hospital Mr NG Kwok-cheung, Norman Senior Engineer 2 / Central Kowloon Route, Highways Department Mr LEUNG Kam-ying, John Senior Engineer / 16 (East), Civil Engineering and Development Department Ms HSU Leung-fan, Amanda Senior Transport Officer / Housing Project, Transport Department
Item 10 Mr CHAN Kin-ming, Steven Principal Estate Officer / Lease Enforcement Unit / Kowloon West (District Lands Office, Kowloon West), Lands Department
Item 11 Mr LAU Mang-wai, Lawrence Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Special Duties) 2, Environmental Protection Department - 3 -
Item 14 Dr LEUNG Wai-yiu, Anthony Veterinarian (Avian Influenza Surveillance), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Item 15 Mr LAW Lok-fai, Edwin Architect (Works) 4, Home Affairs Department Mr Anthony LEUNG Senior Associate, Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Ltd Ms LEE Lai-ming Architect, Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Ltd Ms LAU Ying-tong Architectural Assistant, Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Ltd Mr LAM Sai-kit Building Services Engineer, Wong & Ouyang (Building Services) Limited Mr TAM Chung-yiu Structural Engineer, Meinhardt (C&S) Limited Mr HUNG Chin-ching Assistant Quantity Surveyor, Beria Consultants Limited
Item 16 Mr CHUI Po-fai Senior Engineer / 14 (East), Civil Engineering and Development Department Mr YAU Ka-ming, Leo Architect / 1 (East), Civil Engineering and Development Department Mr LAW Lok-fai, Edwin Architect (Works) 4, Home Affairs Department Mr Anthony LEUNG Senior Associate, Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Ltd Ms LEE Lai-ming Architect, Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Ltd Ms LAU Ying-tong Architectural Assistant, Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Ltd Mr LAM Sai-kit Building Services Engineer, Wong & Ouyang (Building Services) Limited Mr TAM Chung-yiu Structural Engineer, Meinhardt (C&S) Limited Mr HUNG Chin-ching Assistant Quantity Surveyor, Beria Consultants Limited
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Opening Remarks
The Vice-chairman said prior to the meeting, the Chairman, Mr LO Chiu-kit, had notified the Secretariat that he could not attend the meeting due to other commitments. Therefore, in accordance with Order 35(3) of the Kowloon City District Council Standing Orders (Standing Orders), he would stand in for the Chairman in the meeting.
2. The Vice-Chairman welcomed all Members and representatives of government departments to the meeting. He said that Mr LEUNG Yun-lam, Gary, was posted out of the Kowloon City District Office (KCDO) and the post of Secretary was taken up by Mr Brian TSO. Before discussion on the agenda items, the Vice-chairman requested Members to note that if their property ownership, occupation or investment etc. involved conflict of interest with the items under discussion later, they should make a declaration before the discussion so that he could consider whether the members concerned should withdraw from the discussion or voting. In addition, according to Order 36(2) of the Standing Orders, the quorum for committee meetings was half the number of members. As there were 23 members in the Food and Environmental Hygiene Committee, once there were less than 12 members present at the meeting, he would adjourn the discussion immediately.
Confirmation of the Minutes of Last Meeting
3. The Vice-Chairman announced that the minutes of the 14th meeting were unanimously confirmed by the Committee without amendment. . Matters Arising: Motion: The Government Should Expeditiously Allocate Additional Resources to Improve Environmental Hygiene in the District (Paper No. 08/17) Concern over the Impact of the Recycling of Polystyrene Boxes and Paper Boxes on the Community (Paper No. 18/18) Request for Installing Closed-circuit Television Cameras at Back Alleys (Paper No. 19/18) Request to Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for Adopting Effective Measures against Repeat Fly-tippers (Paper No. 20/18)
4. The Vice-chairman said the Committee decided at the last meeting to - 5 - continue discussing Paper No. 08/17 to follow up the following:
(i) the installation of Internet Protocol (IP) cameras at hygiene black spots in the District by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD); and
(ii) inter departmental joint operations against street obstruction by shops in the District.
5. The Vice-chairman said agenda items 4 to 6 were related to the accumulation of miscellaneous items on roadsides. After seeking Members’ views, he announced that the four items would be discussed together.
6. Mr TSOI Yuen-ming, District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Kowloon City) of FEHD reported the work progress as follows:
(i) FEHD had completed the tender procedure and the selection of contractors for the installation of IP cameras. The IP cameras installed at the first phase were expected to start operation in late May;
(ii) the number of locations for installing IP cameras in Kowloon City District would be increased to 6; and
(iii) in the period between March 2018 and April 2018, FEHD and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) organised 18 joint operations and issued a total of 79 Fixed Penalty Tickets to offending shops in the District in accordance with the Fixed Penalty (Public Cleanliness and Obstruction) Ordinance. Besides, FEHD designated staff to regularly inspect the black spots of street obstruction in the District. If any irregularities were found in shops, prosecution would be made immediately.
7. Ir CHEUNG Yan-hong introduced Paper No. 18/18. He also said Members would be pleased to join hands with FEHD and HKPF in promoting among shops the importance of maintaining environmental hygiene.
8. Mr LAM Tak-shing briefed Members on Paper No. 19/18. He said the problem of accumulation of rubbish and furniture at back alleys in the District was serious. He hoped FEHD would follow up the state of hygiene black spots in the - 6 -
District and install IP cameras. Besides, he noted that special task forces stationed in other districts had achieved certain effects and hoped FEHD would review the work of the special task forces timely.
9. Mr Ronald YEUNG introduced Paper No. 20/18 and raised the following views/enquiries:
(i) he hoped the hygiene black spots listed in Paper No. 20/18 could be included in FEHD’s list of inspection sites; and
(ii) from his observation, the hygienic problems in Kowloon City District were particularly serious. He understood that FEHD had made great efforts to handle the hygienic problems in the District, but believed that there was still room for improvement in the hygienic conditions in the District as the hygienic problems had persisted. He hoped FEHD would take Members’ suggestions into consideration to resolve the hygienic problems in the District.
10. The Hon Starry LEE put forward the following views/enquiries:
(i) thanks to FEHD, the environmental hygiene in To Kwa Wan District had improved. She hoped IP cameras could be installed on schedule and FEHD would continue to seek to increase the number of IP cameras installed to enhance supervision of the hygienic conditions on streets;
(ii) she suggested that FEHD to communicate with shops before enforcing the law and make good use of every opportunity to carry out educational work; and
(iii) as issuing Fixed Penalty Tickets to illegal cardboard dumpers failed to effectively resolve the problem of accumulation of cardboards on streets, she enquired if FEHD would adopt other measures to address the problem.
11. Mr LAI Kwong-wai raised the following views:
(i) accumulation of waste not only affected cityscape, but also occupied driving lanes and disturbed the traffic flow. He enquired if FEHD - 7 -
had established any mechanism to handle the occupation of public places for the placement of miscellaneous items and to improve the problems of hygiene conditions at black spots;
(ii) cleaning streets once a week was not adequate to improve hygienic conditions. He hoped FEHD would take actions against repeat fly-tippers.
12. Miss KWONG Po-yin believed that the aforementioned problems could not be resolved with the single efforts of FEHD. As fly-tipping in the District was mainly caused by recycling business, she hoped the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) would approach the recycling sector in the District to explain about the rules of recycling so as to improve the problems.
13. Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming believed that reference should be made to foreign countries where contractors were empowered with law enforcement authority and could institute prosecution against offenders. Besides, he expressed concern about the implementation of the municipal solid waste charging policy in Hong Kong in the future if the problem of fly-tipping was not improved.
14. The Vice-chairman enquired about the locations and orders of the installation of IP cameras.
15. Mr HO Hin-ming gave the following views:
(i) he suggested installing IP cameras that had no recording function at hygiene black spots in the District to achieve deterrent effects;
(ii) he suggested dissuading scavengers from collecting and recycling waste at roadsides to avoid blocking streets and damaging cityscape; and
(iii) he hoped EPD would increase the number of polystyrene collection points lest polystyrene accumulated on streets.
16. Mr NG Po-keung stated that hygiene black spots in the District regressed to their original states not long after FEHD had conducted cleaning. Thus he suggested that FEHD place log books for cleaning staff at hygiene black spots so that residents and Members could monitor the frequency of cleaning and the standard of the - 8 - contractor’s work.
17. Mr TSOI Yuen-ming of FEHD made the following consolidated reply:
(i) he noted that the problem of fly-tipping existed in Hung Hom District and the Department would allocate more resources and designate more staff to carry out law enforcement actions in the District;
(ii) FEHD’s frontline staff had a general idea of when and where scavengers appeared. However, as most scavengers were elders, it was not ideal to initiate prosecution against them when they picked up cardboards and waste and dirtied public places. He thus believed that FEHD should improve the situation through education;
(iii) frontline staff would be instructed to enhance inspection. If waste was found to accumulate at public places, FEHD would arrange to clear the waste at the soonest possible time. If other items which hindered street cleaning were found in public places, FEHD would affix a notice to the items in accordance with Section 22 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Chapter 132), demanding owners to move the items away before a specified time. Otherwise, FEHD reserved the authority to remove the items and prosecute the owners;
(iv) IP cameras would be installed at six locations in the District in two phases. In the first phase, three IP cameras would be installed at the back alley of Hung Wu Building, outside I-Feng Mansion on Chi Kiang Street and at the junction between Mei Kwong Street and Mei King Street. The IP cameras were expected to start operation in late May. In the second phase, IP cameras would be installed on Pentland Street, Man Yue Street and outside the refuse collection point on Cheung Ning Street. These IP cameras were expected to start operation in September this year. If the installation of IP cameras helped improve the environmental hygiene at the above locations, FEHD would consider installing IP cameras at other locations when necessary. IP cameras which were installed earlier would remain at their original locations to produce deterrent effects;
(v) FEHD would distribute promotional leaflets and advisory letters to - 9 -
shops at hygiene black spots, with the aim of teaching the shops to maintain environmental hygiene. Besides, it would enhance communication with and education of shops/people who repeatedly dumped waste illegally at public places;
(vi) frontline staff had been instructed to enhance inspection and initiate prosecution immediately upon discoveries of irregularities. If the situation was not improved, FEHD would revise its law enforcement strategies and consider conducting intensive law enforcement actions to raise efficacy;
(vii) installing IP cameras at hygiene black spots not only produced deterrent effects, but also helped collect information about the pattern and time of irregularities. This allowed FEHD to plan out effective law enforcement actions when necessary;
(viii) FEHD would evaluate the conditions at the hygiene black spots mentioned in Paper No. 20/18. It would also enhance inspection and law enforcement actions to improve the problems at the hygiene black spots;
(ix) he would request the special task force at headquarters to designate plainclothes officers to inspect hygiene black spots so as to carry out law enforcement actions more effectively;
(x) he thanked Members’ suggestion of joining FEHD in launching promotional and educational activities to inculcate the concept of maintaining environmental hygiene in shopkeepers/the public. FEHD would contact Ir CHEUNG Yan-hong shortly to discuss the relevant details and arrangements; and
(xi) he thanked Mr NG Po-keung for his proposal to place log books for cleaning staff at hygiene black spots. The view was noted by FEHD.
18. Mr Samuel TANG, Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Regional East)5 of EPD noted Miss KWONG Po-yin’s proposal to explain the rules about recycling to shops. He would relay the suggestion to the relevant staff for follow-ups.
19. The Vice-chairman said there were numerous hygiene black spots in the - 10 -
District. He expressed appreciation for FEHD’s work on law enforcement, communication and education. He hoped FEHD would remind scavengers to maintain environmental hygiene and Members would put heads together to work along with FEHD to resolve the hygienic problems in the District in the long term. After consulting Members’ views, the Vice-chairman announced to continue discussing this Paper at the next meeting to follow up the following: (i) the installation of IP cameras at hygiene black spots in the District by FEHD; (ii) interdepartmental action against street obstruction by shops in the District; (iii) EPD’s progress of conducting promotional activities to recycling shops; and (iv) EPD’s progress of studying whether to increase the number of recycling points in the District.
Matter Arising: Introduction to the Services of Hong Kong Children's Hospital (Paper No. 02/18)
20. The Vice-chairman mentioned that at the last meeting, the Committee decided to continue discussing Paper No. 02/18 to follow up the public transport service and transport facilities of the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (HKCH).
21. Ms Amanda HSU, Senior Transport Officer/Housing Project of the Tranport Department (TD) introduced the public transport facilities of HKCH as follows:
(i) TD issued a letter to the Committee on 18 April 2018 to introduce the public transport facilities launched to facilitate the commissioning of HKCH. In Bus Route Planning Programme 2017-2018, TD suggested opening a new franchised bus route running between Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong via HKCH. The tender procedure for the bus route was completed in the first quarter. The bus route would be operated by Citybus and was expected to be put into service in the first half year of 2018;
(ii) TD planned to open two new green minibus routes, one of which would run between Yau Lai Estate in Yau Tong and HKCH while the other would run between Sau Mau Ping and HKCH via the United Christian Hospital and Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station. TD was conducting trade and district consultations on the two proposed minibus routes, which were expected to be put into service in the fourth quarter of this year;
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(iii) regarding the existing public transport service, KMB Route No. 5R ran between Cruise Terminal and APM in Kwun Tong via HKCH. Green minibus Route No. 86 ran between Cruise Terminal and Telford Gardens in Kowloon Bay via HKCH as well; and
(iv) to make it convenient for the staff of HKCH to carry out early preparation work, TD provided transport service between HKCH and Ngau Tau Kwok MTR Station during peak hours, circular transport service between HKCH and Queen Elizabeth Hospital as well as transport service to and fro Enterprise Square in Kowloon Bay at lunchtime.
22. Mr John LEUNG, Senior Engineer/16 (East) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) made a reply, which was consolidated below:
(i) CEDD would report the progress of Kai Tak Development Area to the district management committee of Kowloon City District and the progress of infrastructure works and traffic and transport related matters to the Traffic and Transport Committee of KCDC on a regular basis;
(ii) at present, CEDD was conducting road widening works at Kai Tak south apron area, i.e. Cheung Yip Street and Shing Cheong Road near HKCH. The works would widen the traffic lanes from one lane for each bound to two lanes for each bound. This would increase the carrying capacity of the roads to support the development of Kai Tak District including HKCH. The road widening works were expected to be completed in 2019;
(iii) besides, CEDD was proactively developing Road D3 (Metro Park Section) at Kai Tak runway, which could provide access to Kai Tak north apron from Kai Tak New Development Area via Road D2. It allowed two-lane two-way traffic and was currently at the design stage. CEDD would make the relevant funding application and start the construction works later.
23. Mr Norman NG, Senior Engineer 2/Central Kowloon Route of the Highways Department (HyD) said the Central Kowloon Route under the charge of HyD was a dual 3-lane carriageway connecting Yau Ma Tei and Kai Tak New - 12 -
Development Area. Starting from December 2017, construction works had been conducted in phases at Ho Man Tin, Kai Tak West and Yau Ma Tei East. The remaining five construction projects would be launched within the next two years.
24. Mr HE Huahan put forward the following views/enquiries:
(i) he enquired about the details of the new bus route and pointed out that as the new bus route would not travel pass Whampoa and To Kwa Wan, it would be difficult for the people in the District to make use of the new bus route to get to HKCH;
(ii) he suggested opening a new green minibus route to run from Whampoa to HKCH via To Kwa Wan and Kowloon City through Road D2. He believed this new route would benefit most of the residents in Kowloon City District; and
(iii) he enquired about the commissioning date of Road D3 and pointed out that if Road D3 was not opened, the existing Shing Fung Road would be overloaded, resulting in a traffic bottleneck.
25. Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming stated that HKCH was positioned as a territory-wide hospital, but the existing plan for ancillary transport facilities could only facilitate people getting to the hospital from Kowloon East and Island East, but not those from other areas in Hong Kong. If the frequency of feeder transport facilities was low, parents would find it inconvenient taking children to HKCH to seek medical service and so would relatives who wished to visit patients in HKCH.
26. Dr LEE Tsz-leung, Hospital Chief Executive of HKCH put forward the following views:
(i) he stated that HKCH’s patients came from various districts all over Hong Kong. He hoped the relevant department would take care of the needs of people from different districts so that they could get to HKCH speedily and safely;
(ii) as route works were in progress outside HKCH, HKCH was negotiating with the relevant department for allowing buses and minibuses to park outside the hospital so that people getting to the hospital would not have to traverse the site of route works; and - 13 -
(iii) he suggested that the relevant department provide zebra crossings and traffic lights outside HKCH so that people could cross roads safely.
27. The Vice-chairman raised the following views/enquiries:
(i) he enquired if HKCH and the relevant department had organised any meeting to discuss the traffic arrangements in HKCH after the previous FEHC meeting;
(ii) he asked TD if the stops of public transport travelling past HKCH would be set up at the main entrance of HKCH;
(iii) he enquired if there were other transport plans to facilitate getting to HKCH from various districts all over Hong Kong; and
(iv) he enquired about the details of the new bus route.
28. Ms Miscelle KWOK, Chief Hospital Administrator of HKCH stated that HKCH contacted TD and CEDD after the previous FEHC meeting and organised a meeting with the departments.
29. Mr John LEUNG of CEDD said senior officials in CEDD had high regard for the issue and CEDD would strive to fulfil HKCH’s requests. CEDD and its consultancy would maintain close cooperation with HKCH and the Architectural Services Department to handle matters related to the road works proactively.
30. Mr Norman NG of HyD said HyD had organised several meetings with TD and CEDD separately in the past few months to discuss issues of cooperation in the road works, with the aim of completing the road works as soon as possible.
31. Ms Amanda HSU of TD made a reply, with main points consolidated as follows:
(i) prior to the meeting, TD had conducted consultation on the two proposed green minibus routes. The new bus route, including its routing, was included in the Bus Route Planning Programme 2017-2018 for consultation in various districts in early 2017. TD was discussing with Citybus the service details, including the - 14 -
deployment of vehicles, and would notify KCDC of the service details upon confirmation later;
(ii) TD understood that HKCH aimed to provide service to patients from different districts around Hong Kong. Therefore, while planning out the public transport facilities of HKCH, the Government had taken into consideration the fact that HKCH was situated far away from the nearest MTR station and actively studied and planned out new green minibus routes to connect HKCH with the MTR Station, apart from maintaining the service of the existing public transport travelling past HKCH. This allowed people from different districts to get to HKCH by MTR and then feeder transport;
(iii) in response to HKCH’s request, TD would discuss with Citybus and green minibus operators the possibility of setting up a temporary stop inside HKCH, if there was sufficient space inside HKCH, to facilitate entry and exit of HKCH; and
(iv) from time to time, TD would review the service of the relevant routes, make modifications in response to practical needs and consider whether it was necessary to provide other routes.
32. Ir CHEUNG Yan-hong suggested opening a green minibus route to connect Kai Tak Station with HKCH. This allowed people easy access from Kowloon City District to HKCH.
33. Miss KWONG Po-yin declared that she was one of the staff of the Hospital Authority.
34. The Vice-chairman approved of Miss KWONG Po-yin joining the discussion.
35. Miss KWONG Po-yin expressed the following views:
(i) the Department of Paediatrics of the United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong District would be relocated to HKCH. Therefore, residents from Kwun Tong District would often visit HKCH for medical service;
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(ii) she agreed to Ir CHEUNG Yan-hong’s proposal to open a green minibus route linking Kai Tak Station with HKCH; and
(iii) she expressed concern for the transport facilities serving Kai Tak Hospital in the future. She hoped the relevant department would start planning soon.
36. Ms Amanda HSU of TD remarked that in the future, an enroute stop would be set up near Kai Tak Station on the new bus route which started at Kowloon Tong and went via HKCH. This facilitated the public getting to and fro Kai Tak Station and HKCH. Besides, to tie in with the commissioning of the Shatin to Central Link (SCL), TD would consider providing other public transport facilities to link Kai Tak Station with HKCH.
37. The Vice-chairman made the following conclusions:
(i) SCL would be commissioned in 2019 while HKCH would be put into service at the end of 2018. He hoped the relevant department would devise traffic arrangements in the gap period;
(ii) he hoped the relevant departments would provide the Committee with more information, particularly the information about medium to long-term traffic arrangements;
(iii) he supposed that when HKCH was commissioned, half of the hospital beds would be occupied by sick children. Moreover, the family members of sick children would travel to and fro the hospital to take care of the children every day. These people created a great demand for transport facilities;
(iv) after seeking Members’ views, the Vice-chairman announced to continue discussing this Paper at the next meeting to follow up the public transport facilities of HKCH; and
(v) he hoped that relevant departments would submit more detailed information to Members at the next meeting. If clear information about the traffic arrangements were not received at the next meeting, KCDC did not rule out the possibility of approaching the departments directly to look into and help develop the traffic arrangements. - 16 -
Concern over the Deterioration of Hygiene in Kowloon Tong District (Paper No. 21/18)
38. Mr HO Hin-ming introduced the Paper. He also hoped the relevant department would conduct regular inspections to help handle the illegal dumping of construction waste.
39. Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming hoped FEHD would disclose the information on street cleaning to facilitate monitoring by the public. He understood that FEHD had a heavy workload, but hoped FEHD would enhance supervision of its contractors to prevent further deterioration of hygiene on streets.
40. Mr SIU Leong-sing appreciated the heavy workload that FEHD faced, but hoped FEHD would strengthen its supervision of the service of contractors. He said he had reflected the problem of dog excreta in the District to FEHD, which replied that the contractors had already cleared away the excreta. However, when he visited the District, he could still find dog excreta on streets. This indicated that the service quality of contractors varied.
41. Mr TSOI Yuen-ming of FEHD’s reply was consolidated as follows:
(i) he noted the problem of illegal dumping of construction waste in Kowloon Tong District and would designate staff to enhance inspection;
(ii) after receiving Members’ letter, FEHD designated staff to enhance inspection, during which someone was caught in the act of displaying posters illegally. FEHD immediately initiated prosecution against the offender and removed the posters. FEHD noted the problem of unauthorised display of posters in Kowloon Tong District. However, as it was impossible to witness acts of displaying posters illegally during every inspection, there was difficulty in the relevant law enforcement work;
(iii) FEHD believed that construction waste accumulated at roadsides was materials used and left behind by maintenance workers. If frontline staff discovered any accumulation of construction waste, they would refer the issue to HyD for follow-ups; - 17 -
(iv) FEHD would pay more attention to the problem of dog excreta and the cleaning of recycling bins. It would also arrange law enforcement actions and institute prosecutions against offenders;
(v) at this stage, it was difficult to release the schedule of street cleaning on the Internet in advance. As street cleaning operations were rearranged based on situations on streets and operational needs, it was impossible to provide accurate details beforehand;
(vi) FEHD noted Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming’s proposal to publicise the information about the streets which had been cleaned and would take the suggestion into consideration; and
(vii) at present, besides designating staff to monitor the performance of contractor cleaners, FEHD had established the internal Quality Assurance Section which often arranged staff to conduct spot checks. Having noted Members’ views, FEHD would instruct frontline staff to enhance monitoring of the performance of contractors and urge the contractors to strengthen street cleaning work.
42. Mr Samuel TANG of EPD made a reply, with main points consolidated as follows:
(i) EPD would inspect buildings currently under maintenance and conduct blitz operations against illegal dumping of construction waste;
(ii) recently, EPD organised promotional activities to buildings in Beacon Hill and Broadcast Drive, which were conducting or would be conducting maintenance works, to remind contractors to transport construction waste to suitable facilities for handling in accordance with the law instead of disposing of the waste illegally; and
(iii) cases of illegal dumping of construction waste would be referred to HyD for handling. EPD would also strengthen inspection and organise blitz operations when maintenance workers got off work.
43. The Vice-chairman made the following suggestions:
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(i) FEHD could understand the patterns of acts of displaying posters illegally via the sub-district Member so that its staff could catch people in the act, carry out law enforcement actions and institute prosecutions; and
(ii) instead of simply instituting prosecutions against frontline renovation workers, EPD should enhance spot checks on maintenance contractors and remind them not to dispose of construction waste illegally.
Concern over Noise Pollution Caused by Night Work at Kai Tak Grid Neighbourhood Sites (Paper No. 22/18)
44. Mr HE Huahan presented the paper and said that since the construction works on several sites in the Kai Tak Grid Neighbourhood area would be in full swing at the end of this year, he was worried that the contractors would carry out works even at night time. Thus he hoped that EPD could conduct surprise inspections more frequently to prevent the problem of noise nuisance from worsening and the daily lives of residents from being affected.
45. Mr Samuel TANG of EPD said the residents complained that noises were heard from the construction sites of the Kai Tak Grid Neighbourhood area at night. Hence, the Department had sent officers to conduct surprise inspections for many times during night time. However, no violation of the Noise Control Ordinance or the conditions of the Construction Noise Permit was discovered. The Department stepped up its inspections in April this year and later learnt from the residents that the situation had improved. If violations were detected, prosecution would be instituted in accordance with the law.
Follow-up to Environmental Protection Department’s Supervisory Measures at Wu Kwong Street (Paper No. 23/18)
46. Ir CHEUNG Yan-hong introduced the paper and he thanked FEHD and EPD for their mutual efforts to facilitate coordination and complement each other's strengths. He hoped that the relevant departments would enhance inspection work and maintain good environmental hygiene.
47. Mr TSOI Yuen-ming of FEHD said that inspections at the - 19 - above-mentioned locations would be performed more frequently. If members of the public were found disposing of refuse or waste illegally, prosecution would be made instantly. The Department would maintain effective communication with EPD and step up law enforcement when necessary by prosecuting those who violated the relevant ordinance with the video recordings provided by EPD so as to strengthen the deterrent effect.
48. Mr Samuel TANG of EPD said that EPD would maintain good communication with FEHD and provide FEHD with the information about records of the monitoring system, including the time slots in which disposal of domestic refuse took place so that FEHD could follow up. Both the Department and FEHD shared the objective of ensuring good environmental hygiene in the district.
49. The Vice-Chairman expressed his appreciation about the exchange of information among departments and he hoped that FEHD could make use of EPD's surveillance cameras to enhance enforcement against illegal disposal or dumping of refuse.
Concern over the Monitoring of the Compliance of Temporary Places of Public Entertainment Licence Conditions in Regard to the Addition of Structures and the Use of the Structures (Paper No. 24/18)
50. Ir CHEUNG Yan-hong presented the paper and stated that the Lands Department (LandsD) was not on the list of the departments consulted by FEHD when granting the Places of Public Entertainment Licence. He asked if this was due to the requirements of the relevant regulation. Besides, he thought that the owner had abused the licensing system and thus he hoped the relevant departments would reflect the problem to the Department of Justice (D of J) so that it would consider the amendment of legislation to plug the loopholes.
51. Miss KWONG Po-yin put forward the following proposal / enquiries:
(i) the additional structure had been erected since 19 January this year but FEHD did not issue the licence to the applicant until February. He asked LCSD if the practice of "building the structure first and obtaining the licence later" was allowed;
(ii) the Internet indicated that the site was an open-air parking lot in - 20 -
January 2017 but it turned to be an area with a covered structure this year. She asked LandsD if the use of the site was in breach of the land lease;
(iii) she believed that FEHD would not have approved the application if it had been aware that the use of the site would constitute a breach of lease conditions. As such, she suggested that when FEHD handled the applications for the Places of Public Entertainment Licence in the future, it should first consult Lands D if the use of private land was involved and disapprove all applications suspected to be in breach of lease conditions so as to avoid the exploitation of loopholes in the relevant ordinance; and
(iv) she hoped that the Department would consider the duration and the appropriateness of the use of the site when approving applications for the licence. And she deemed it unreasonable that a one-time public event would have to occupy a site for three months.
52. Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming raised the following opinions / enquiries:
(i) the applicant was exploiting the grey area of the law and it was not ideal that the owner would no longer be liable for punishment by law once the structure was demolished. He hoped that the departments concerned would study the possibility of law amendment to plug the loopholes; and
(ii) he hoped that the relevant departments would seek advice from D of J on instituting prosecution against the relevant parties to recover the loss of the Government.
53. Mr LAM Tak-shing hoped that when granting the Temporary Places of Public Entertainment Licence, the Department would consult residents and let them know about the applications.
54. Mr Admond YUE pointed out that advice from LandsD was not sought when handling the application of the Temporary Places of Public Entertainment Licence. He hoped that the loopholes would be closed. 55. Mr TSOI Yuen-ming of FEHD gave a reply consolidated as follows:
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(i) according to the application mechanism of the Temporary Places of Public Entertainment Licence, the Department would not consult LandsD on applications for organising public entertainment activities in private places under normal circumstances;
(ii) the information provided by the licence applicant indicated that the applicant planned to hold an activity at a private open-air space next to Zung Fu Car Park Building during the weekends between February and April 2018. After receiving the application, the Department had consulted various relevant government departments in conformity with the established procedures, including the Police, Fire Services Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and Buildings Department (BD). In view that the relevant government departments did not raise objection, the Department issued the licensing requirements of the relevant departments to the applicant. As the relevant departments later confirmed that the event was held in compliance with the licensing conditions, the Department issued the Temporary Place of Public Entertainment Licence to the applicant in early February and gave a green light to the event;
(iii) when handling the application, views from BD were sought in accordance with the established procedures and no objection was raised by BD;
(iv) when the public entertainment activity was held, the Department undertook supervision in accordance with the relevant licence conditions. The Department had also sent officers to conduct inspections during the event to ensure compliance with all the conditions specified in the licence;
(v) it was noted that Members queried if the event was in breach of the lease conditions. He would convey the views of Members to the headquarters so that it would deliberate if the existing licensing mechanism would have to be optimized.
56. Mr Steven CHAN, Principal Estate Officer / Lease Enforcement Unit / Kowloon West (District Lands Office, Kowloon West)’s replies were consolidated below: - 22 -
(i) Upon receipt of the papers of Members, the District Lands Office of Kowloon West District assigned staff to conduct inspection at the site and found that part of the parking lot was used as an exhibition area for cars, which was in contravention of the conditions provided in the land lease. Hence, the Department issued a warning letter to the relevant owner and asked for a rectification of the lease breach. If the owner failed to take action within a specified time, the warning letter would be registered at the Land Registry, commonly known as “imposing an encumbrance”, and enforcement action would be taken if necessary;
(ii) the land lease was a private contract signed between the Government and the land owner. LandsD would take enforcement actions in the capacity of landlord in accordance with the land lease. The breach of lease conditions was categorised as a civil dispute and it would not result in law enforcement or prosecution. If no relevant regulatory condition was set out in the land lease, the Department could not take further action. For this reason, the recovery of penalty should be handled according to the actual state of the case;
(iii) according to the land lease, the parking lot could be used as a car park, garage or a place operating car maintenance business. In the above case, the site had been used for children bumper car games and the business was related to car exhibition. Thus there was a breach of land lease;
(iv) when referrals from FEHD were received in the future, advices on land lease conditions would be offered.
57. The Vice-chairman concluded as follows:
(i) the case happened probably because the applicant had made a successful application and organised an event before and thus he took advantage of the grey area of the law again; and
(ii) he recommended that if FEHD further received applications from the owner in the future, advice from LandsD should be obtained.
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Concern over the Arrangement for Reducing Rubbish Bins and Increasing Recycling Bins in Kowloon City District (Paper No. 25/18)
58. Mr SIU Leong-sing presented the paper and said he could observe that the the reduction of rubbish bins in the district was proceeding at a rate faster than the increase of recycling bins. He wondered if the number of rubbish bins was insufficient to meet the demand. He also requested EPD to consider collecting glass containers by mixed recycling bins and promote the clean recycling policy actively.
59. Mr Lawrence LAU, Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Special Duties) 2 of EPD’s replies were summarised as follows:
(i) to tie in with the implementation of the municipal solid waste charges and to further promote waste reduction and recycling, the Environment Bureau established a Steering Group on the Modification of Recycling and Refuse Collection Facilities in Public Places (Steering Group) to review the existing distribution and design of recycling bins and rubbish bins in public places. The relevant recycling bins and rubbish bins were mainly managed by FEHD and the Cultural and Leisure Services Department (LCSD);
(ii) the consultancy commissioned by the Steering Group had finished the review of the distribution of recycling bins and rubbish bins in the territory including tourist areas and old areas and had made recommendations based on the condition in various districts. The consultancy also suggested increasing recycling bins and reducing rubbish bins in the urban area;
(iii) the consultancy also advised that the number of recycling bins and rubbish bins at individual locations should be adjusted according to their nature and circumstances. For instance, more recycling bins and rubbish bins should be placed at major tourist spots with a high flow of people, and in contrary, if other establishments such as shopping malls had provided recycling facilities, the number of recycling bins in the vicinity could be reduced;
(iv) recycling bins and rubbish bins should also be placed at key - 24 -
locations, such as road junctions and entrances / exits of venues, so that the public could easily infer where they were placed, thereby maximising their utilisation rate. The consultancy also provided indicators on the overall distribution of recycling bins and rubbish bins in public places;
(v) the Steering Group had commissioned the consultancy to embark on the second stage of the study to review the design of recycling bins and rubbish bins currently placed in public spaces;
(vi) the Steering Group would also consider if mixed recycling bins should be adopted in the light of the latest development of the clean recycling concept. It was expected that there would be an outcome in the end of this year. The Department would also step up the promotion of the clean recycling policy;
(vii) the departments involved, including FEHD and LCSD, had proposed adjustments to the plan concerning recovery bins and rubbish bins after making reference to the relevant indicators. By the end of 2019, the overall ratio of recycling bins to rubbish bins in public spaces would be revised from the current ratio of 1:14 to 1:6. Under the adjustment plan, FEHD was going to reduce the number of rubbish bins by 40% and increase the number of recycling bins by 40% by the end of 2019. FEHD would further adjust the number of rubbish bins and recycling bins in public places after a review of the arrangements based on the actual situation, public response and other operational factors; and
(viii) glass recycling bins were already available in some housing estates in the district. The Department would continue to increase the amount of such bins in the district.
60. Mr TSOI Yuen-ming of FEHD gave a reply consolidated as follows:
(i) as at 2017, FEHD placed 843 rubbish bins and 69 recycling bins in the district;
(ii) as at 31 March 2018, the number of rubbish bins and recycling bins placed in the district were 858 and 69 respectively, approximately at a - 25 -
ratio of 1:12; and
(iii) the number of rubbish bins in the district decreased from 1,276 in 2014 to 843 today, and there was no change in the number of recycling bins.
61. The Vice-chairman made a conclusion below:
(i) recycling bins in the district were inadequate and waste spilling out rubbish bins was a common phenomenon. He hoped that FEHD would follow up the matter; and
(ii) he requested for further details about the plan of EPD on increasing the number of glass recycling bins in the district.
Strong Request for Enhancing Inspection and Law Enforcement to Crack down on Unlicensed Private Columbaria (Paper No. 26/18)
62. Mr LAM Tak-shing introduced the Paper.
63. Mr TSOI Yuen-ming of FEHD responded that the Department was highly concerned about the problem of unlicensed private columbaria and had set up a Private Columbaria Affairs Office (PCAO) to carry out inspection work. Upon detection of irregularities, prosecution would be initiated. PCAO had cracked down on a private columbarium which leased out niches without a licence and arrested two men in Hung Hom in March this year. He stated that the Department would continue to strictly enforce the Private Columbaria Ordinance and take enforcement action against private columbaria breaching the law. He would also communicate with relevant sections to examine the possibility of disclosing information about unauthorised columbaria.
64. The Vice-chairman supported the disclosure of information about unauthorised columbaria and hoped that the departmental representative could relay the opinions to the Department.
Proposal for Relaunching Special Anti-rodent Operations in Target Areas (Paper No. 27/18)
65. Mr PUN Kwok-wah introduced the Paper.
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66. Mr Tony NG hoped that the Department could strengthen rodent elimination work since the current anti-rodent measures were inadequate to combat the rodent problem.
67. Mr Jimmy LAM raised the following views / enquiries:
(i) he thanked the Department for its efforts in anti-rodent work and supported the anti-rodent operations in target areas. However, since rodents still scurried around in the district, he hoped that rodent elimination work could be stepped up; and
(ii) he enquired about the aims and the details of the two anti-rodent operations in target areas to be launched this year.
68. Mr LAM Tak-shing raised the following views/ enquiries:
(i) he supported implementing anti-rodent operations in target areas and stated that such campaigns could effectively eliminate rodents;
(ii) he hoped that the Department could step up publicity to advise food premises in the district to dispose rubbish properly and conduct more inspections in rear lanes to prevent rubbish from accumulating and forming a harbourage for rodents;
(iii) he suggested using ultrasonic devices or other advanced methods to drive away rodents; and
(iv) he hoped that FEHD, HAD and BD could conduct joint operations to demolish old buildings which were acquired by developers and left uninhabited. Since rodents tended to hide in the yards of old buildings and rubbish was accumulated in the vacant units, old buildings always became harbourages of rodents which would grow and invade other places in the district.
69. Mr NG Po-keung raised the following views/ enquiries:
(i) since the rodent problem in Kowloon City was serious, he hoped the Department could strengthen anti-rodent work and step up publicity to advise commercial tenants to maintain environmental hygiene; and
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(ii) considering that the residents living in old buildings were affected by rodent infestation, he hoped that the Department could lend baits and cage traps to residents for catching rodents.
70. Mr TSOI Yuen-ming of FEHD gave a consolidated response as follows:
(i) the Department had reviewed the anti-rodent operations in designated target areas last year and found that they were effective. Two special anti-rodent operations in designated target areas would be launched this year with each lasting for two months. During operations, targeted rodent prevention and control work would be carried out including enhancing environmental hygiene, stepping up rodent disinfestation work and enforcement action and etc.;
(ii) the Department would deploy staff to clean rear lanes and remove clutter. It would also step up publicity and education for food premises on maintaining environmental hygiene and take enforcement action strictly against non-compliant food premises;
(iii) apart from conducting rodent elimination work at areas with serious rodent infestation, the Department would extend the anti-rodent operations to other districts and carry out rodent elimination work of a similar nature with the one in target areas but with a shorter duration;
(iv) he would refer Member’s view of hoping the Department to take reference from the rodent prevention and control methods adopted by foreign countries to the Department; and
(v) he would offer assistance to residents such as lending cage traps to them for catching rodents.
71. Miss KWONG Po-yin welcomed the arrangement of lending cage traps to residents. She suggested the Department to step up publicity and set up a hotline for the public to call the Department for handling the caught rodents. However, she expressed reservations on lending baits to residents as she was worried that the baits lent might be used for illegal purposes.
72. The Vice-chairman concluded as follows:
(i) he thanked the Department for conducting anti-rodent operations in - 28 -
designated target areas in To Kwa Wan and stated that last-year operations were effective in rodent disinfestation and positive responses were received from residents;
(ii) shop operators hoped that the Department could lend cage traps to them and help those in need to apply baits in private places; and
(iii) he agreed that the Department should not lend baits to residents but could inform them where to purchase baits.
Request for Concern over Pigeon Nuisance in Buildings (Paper No. 28/18)
73. Mr Jimmy LAM introduced the Paper and raised the following views / enquiries:
(i) he thanked LCSD for acting promptly on the issue of people feeding pigeons in Ko Shan Road Park;
(ii) he enquired of the Department about the effectiveness of educating the public not to feed pigeons;
(iii) he enquired if residents contravened the law by handling pigeon nests and eggs on their own;
(iv) he enquired if the Department would take reference from the methods of managing cows in the New Territories or consider introducing a team of eagles to control the number of pigeons; and
(v) he enquired if the Department could lend items for dispersing pigeons to residents.
74. Mr PUN Kwok-wah raised the following views:
(i) the problem of pigeon nuisance was attributable to feeding activities. Thus, he suggested the relevant departments to stop people from feeding pigeons by revising the law; and
(ii) prosecution could not be taken against relevant people under current legislation and another regulation would have to be applied instead. - 29 -
He suggested revising the law to impose a heavier penalty so that the problem could be solved in the long run.
75. Mr HO Hin-ming raised the following views:
(i) the Department should monitor the number of pigeons and control their breeding. He suggested making reference to the practice in the United Kingdom and infiltrating contraceptive pills into corns to control the breeding amount of pigeons;
(ii) the number of monkeys in Hong Kong was managed by fertility control. He opined that the Department could adopt the same measure on pigeons; and
(iii) he suggested the Department to place food in the countryside to attract pigeons to return to the wild.
76. Mr Tony NG raised the following views/ enquiries:
(i) the pigeons in the district were posing serious nuisances to the residents and the residents were afraid of catching avian influenza. He enquired of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) about the strategies of coping with pigeon nuisance; and
(ii) he proposed revising the law to allow residents to catch pigeons and supported Mr HO Hin-ming’s suggestion of placing food in the countryside by the Department to attract pigeons to return to the wild.
77. Mr Terence SIU stated that residents in his constituency were suffering from serious pigeon nuisances but people feeding pigeons were just the minority and no improvement was seen even after they were prosecuted. He suggested the Department to increase progressively the penalty for people committing illegal feeding of pigeons repeatedly to achieve a higher deterrent effect.
78. Dr. Anthony LEUNG, Veterinarian (Avian Influenza Surveillance) of AFCD gave a consolidated response as follows:
(i) the problem of pigeon nuisance was attributable to feeding activities. As long as feeding activities persisted, the effectiveness of other - 30 -
methods of controlling the pigeon number would be lower and the stable food supply would boost pigeon breeding. If no food was provided, pigeons would not congregate and cause nuisances;
(ii) the Department had conducted a test which used ultrasound to disperse pigeons but it was ineffective to them both in a quiet or a noisy environment;
(iii) the Department had tried to use cage traps to control the number of pigeons but the method was not very effective and had aroused dissatisfaction of residents who were fond of animals;
(iv) foreign countries had applied contraceptive pills on pigeons to control their number but the results showed that, to achieve desired outcomes, tough enforcement action against illegal feeding of pigeons should be taken in conjunction with the use of contraception. However, the above method was subject to many restrictions and other protected birds or cats and dogs might consume the contraceptive pills by chance. The Department kept an open mind to the use of contraceptive pills but there were many factors to consider when it was enforced;
(v) eagles would drive pigeons to fly at low altitude and land on the rooftops which helped little in solving the problem of pigeon nuisance. The use of eagle team to disperse pigeons was applicable to vast pieces of land but not Hong Kong where skyscrapers packed;
(vi) the number of cows in the New Territories was small. It was appropriate to control their number by fertility control since the resources involved were little. However, the number of pigeons was much larger than that of cows. It was inadvisable to control their number by sterilisation or neutering since it involved excessive amount of resources and the risk of such operations was high;
(vii) the Department focused its resources on disseminating the message of not feeding pigeons in a bid to solve the problem at root. It also fostered an atmosphere against pigeon feeding in the community which would then exert pressure on people feeding pigeons and could help solve the problem in the long run; - 31 -
(viii) residents could report to the Department if they found pigeon nests around their residences. The Department would conduct tests on residents for avian influenza and provide them pigeon repellent liquid, methods and information of dispersing pigeons. If possible, the Department would remove pigeon nests for residents; and
(ix) legislation had stated clearly that pigeons were poultry but not wild birds, thus they were not protected by law. Any resident removing pigeon nests and eggs on his/her own would not be regarded as contravening the law. However, if residents hurt pigeons when dispersing them, it might constitute a criminal act of cruelty to animal under the law.
79. Ms. Judith CHAN, Deputy District Leisure Manager (Kowloon City) of LCSD opined that the Department took seriously the issue of pigeon feeding by displaying notices at conspicuous spots in parks to remind people not to feed pigeons. At the same time, the Department conducted unannounced inspections. If offenders were spotted, verbal advice would firstly be given, and if he/she did not stop the act, the Department would initiate prosecution in accordance with the law of Hong Kong and the offenders would be liable to conviction or subject to a fine or imprisonment. The Department would also step up inspections and if any food residue was found, it would arrange cleansing work and apply bleach to facilities like the floor, bamboo fences and benches.
80. Mr TSOI Yuen-ming of FEHD gave a consolidated response as follows:
(i) he had instantly deployed staff to the abovementioned spot to conduct inspection after receiving the paper from Members. However, no person was found feeding wild birds and fouling public spaces on the spot. If any food residue and pigeons’ droppings were found, immediate cleaning would be conducted;
(ii) the Department had posted warning slogans in rear lanes to remind people not to feed wild birds. The Department was currently prosecuting people feeding wild birds and fouling public spaces in accordance with the Fixed Penalty (Public Cleanliness and Obstruction) Ordinance and had instructed frontline staff to take stringent enforcement against people feeding pigeons;
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(iii) the Department had been, over the years, aware of the tactics used by people feeding pigeons, that is, they would place the food into a bag with holes and keep walking while the food kept falling to the ground to cover up their feeding acts. They would also go to different locations for feeding from time to time. Thus, the Department would strengthen manpower to conduct inspections at relevant spots. If any person was found feeding pigeons and causing fouling at public spaces, he/she would be prosecuted and educated; and
(iv) at present, the Department could only invoke the relevant Ordinance to prosecute people feeding pigeons and fouling public spaces.
81. The Vice-Chairman concluded as follows:
(i) departmental representative should refer to the Department Headquarters or the Bureau on the needs of revising the law to solve the problem of pigeon nuisances effectively; and
(ii) the Department should conduct more joint actions on inspecting feeding black spots to enhance enforcement.
Concern over the Construction Progress of the Covered Pedestrian Walkway on Hung Hom Road (Paper no. 29/18)
82. Mr Admond YUE introduced the Paper in the hope that the Department could commence the works on schedule.
83. Mr Tony NG commented that he was unsatisfactory for the Department to make no progress of the works in 18 months upon FEHC’s approval. He hoped that the works could be completed as soon as possible.
84. Mr NG Po-keung agreed with Mr Admond YUE and demanded for early completion of works.
85. Mr. Jeff YU, Executive Officer 1 (District Management) of Kowloon City District Office stated that the Department had revised the designs in view of the comments given by Members of FEHC and The Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures in late 2016 and circulated the latest designs of the construction works to Members of FEHC in February 2017. The project - 33 - team had taken immediate follow-up actions including discussing with the Housing Authority on extending the walkway covers to Hong Hum Estate and TD on traffic arrangements during the construction period and had largely overcome a series of technical problems at the end of 2017. The Director of Home Affairs Department had approved the estimated expenditure of the relevant works on 11th January 2018. The project team was conducting tender exercises for the construction works and now reviewing the tenders received. It was expected that the construction contracts would be awarded in June 2018 and the construction works commenced in July 2018. About 18 months would be required for the completion of the construction works and if the progress was satisfactory, the works were expected to be finished in January 2020.
86. Mr Anthony LEUNG, Senior Associate of Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Ltd. briefed Members on the progress of the construction works and the design specifications of the walkway covers on Hung Hom Road.
87. Miss KWONG Po-yin thanked the project team for attending the meeting to brief Members on the progress of the works. However, since the abovementioned works would be carried out with the works under the Universal Accessibility Programme (UPA), she hoped that the project team could coordinate the abovementioned works with the works under UPA before commencement in order to avoid two works progressing at the same time and resulting in delay in completion.
88. Mr. Jeff YU of Kowloon City District Office stated that he would maintain close communication with the departments responsible for the works under UPA and construction of walkway covers extending from Dyer Avenue Flyover to Whampoa MTR Station to avoid any hindrance to the works progress.
Funding Applications for District Minor Works – The Provision of Rain Shelters, Arbours and Seats near the Minibus Stop of Green Minibus Route No. 88 on Shing Kai Road, The Provision of Arbours and Seats near the Entrance to Tak Long Estate on Shing Kai Road, The Provision of a Shelter for the Pedestrian Walkway Opposite Exit D in Kowloon Tong MTR Station (Paper No. 30/18)
89. Mr. Jeff YU of Kowloon City District Office introduced the Paper.
90. Mr Anthony LEUNG, Senior Associate of Andrew Lee King Fun & Associates Architects Ltd. briefed Members on the designs of the above three construction works.
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91. After consulting the views of Members, the Vice-Chairman announced the approval of the funding of $13,800,000 for launching “The Provision of Rain Shelters, Arbours and Seats near the Minibus Stop of Green Minibus Route No. 88 on Shing Kai Road”, “The Provision of Arbours and Seats near the Entrance to Tak Long Estate on Shing Kai Road” and “The Provision of a Shelter for the Pedestrian Walkway Opposite Exit D in Kowloon Tong MTR Station”.
Funding Application for District Minor Works –Improvement Works for the Arbours and Seats on Tam Kung Road (Paper No. 31/18)
92. Mr. Jeff YU of Kowloon City District Office introduced the Paper.
93. After consulting the views of Members, the Vice-Chairman announced the approval of the funding of $35,000 for implementing the “Improvement Works for the Arbours and Seats on Tam Kung Road”.
Funding Application for District Minor Works –District Minor Works Projects with Site Inspections Conducted in 2017-18 (Paper No. 32/18)
94. Mr. Jeff YU of Kowloon City District Office introduced the Paper.
95. After consulting the views of Members, the Vice-Chairman announced the approval of the funding of $1,960,000 for implementing the “District Minor Works Projects with Site Inspections Conducted in 2017-18”.
Any Other Business
96. The Chairman invited Members to read FEHC’s Paper No. 33/18, namely “Year-end Report on District Minor Works in Kowloon City District in 2017-18” which was sent by electronic mail to all Members before the meeting.
97. Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming stated that many hanging potted plants in the district had been withered. He hoped that the Department would follow up.
98. Mr. Jeff YU of Kowloon City District Office opined that he would urge the contractor to enhance maintenance work of the hanging potted plants in the district. The plants in the pots would be replaced in June this year. It was hoped that improvement could be seen. - 35 -
Date of Next Meeting
99. The Vice-Chairman announced that the next meeting would be held on 14 June 2018 (Thursday) and the deadline for submission of papers would be 30 May 2018 (Wednesday). There being no other business, the Vice-Chairman declared that the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
The minutes of this meeting were confirmed on 16 June 2018.
______Chairman Secretary
KCDC Secretariat June 2018