SDC Paper No. 12/2019 (For Information)

SDC Paper No. 12/2019 (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 meeting held in February 2019

(a) Noise Nuisance Caused by Busking near Stanley Plaza

A Member said that since early 2019, person sang and played musical instrument with an amplifier at the roundabout of Stanley Plaza or in the public area around Murray House in the afternoon of every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday, causing noise nuisance to the residents of Lung Tak Court and Ma Hang Estate. The representative of Environmental Protection Department replied at the meeting that according to section 5 of the Noise Control Ordinance (Cap. 400), if law enforcement officers of the Police arrived at the scene and, after observation, reasonably considered that the noise produced by the relevant persons caused annoyance to any person, the officer might issue an advice or take prosecution action. The representative of Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) said at the meeting that the person concerned always reduced the noise level after being advised by the police officers on the scene, and that his behaviour had not contravened other laws of Hong Kong. It was thus relatively difficult to take prosecution action against him. The representative of HKPF supplemented that

if any street performance breached any statutory provisions, having regard to the specific circumstances of each case, the department concerned might give advice or verbal warning to the persons concerned, and might institute prosecution in accordance with the relevant Ordinance.

(b) Matters relating to Big Wave Bay Beach

A Member said that there was a sand and mud cleft on the side of the small hill at Big Wave Bay Beach. Moreover, the onslaught of Super Typhoon Mangkhut left a large amount of sand and mud accumulating in the catchwater in Tai Long Wan Village. Members were worried that in the event of another typhoon, the waves would wash up directly into Tai Long Wan Village through the cleft, and hence leading to flooding. Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) replied that the aforesaid hill collapsed due to Super Typhoon Mangkhut and resulted in a cleft and dent. LCSD was inviting tenders for the reconstruction of the aforesaid hill, where one modular housing block would be built with replanting in the vicinity to prevent the sand and mud from being washed away and eroded consequently. The works was expected to commence in March 2019. During the restoration works, LCSD’s staff would monitor the works area from time to time for prevention of the sand and mud from running into the catchwater.

A Member proposed at the last meeting that improvement works should be carried out to the catchwater in Tai Long Wan Village. The Highways Department (HyD) replied that the repairs and maintenance of catchwater in Tai Long Wan Village was not undertaken by the department, but HyD would instruct its contractors to step up inspection to Big Wave Bay Road as well as clearing the relevant roadside drainage system. Meanwhile, HyD would also study the feasibility of improving the roadside drainage system. Besides, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) replied that a technical study on stormwater drainage in Tai Long Wan Village was completed in 2006 and implementation of the recommended measures under study also completed in 2012. Hence, DSD currently had no plan to conduct a further technical study on stormwater drainage for Tai Long Wan Village.

(d) Lost Trip Problem of New World First Bus (NWFB) Route No. 14 and Request for Increased Frequency of Green Minibus (GMB) Route No. 52

Referring to the lost trip problem of NWFB Route No. 14 raised by some Members at the last meeting, the Transport Department (TD) replied that according to the operation record of NWFB Route No. 14 for December 2018, NWFB Route No. 14 would be affected by the en-route traffic conditions from time to time, thus causing delays in the bus service. TD had urged NWFB to pay additional attention to the services of the route concerned, and where necessary, exercise flexibility in bus deployment or conduct a review on the scheduled journey time for the route concerned with a view to minimising delayed trips.

Regarding an increase in the frequency of GMB Route No. 52, TD replied that officers were deployed to conduct a site visit to San Wai Village of Wong Chuk Hang during the peak hours on 15 January 2019. It was found that there was greater demand for the route bound for Stanley during the peak hours in the afternoon. In this connection, TD would request the operator to further increase the frequency during the relevant time period and introduce more 19-seat public light buses (PLB) so as to enhance the overall carrying capacity of the route concerned, as well as shortening the passengers’ waiting time.

Besides, a Member suggested TD discuss with the relevant GMB operators about arrangement of two vacant PLBs to pick up passengers from San Wai Village of Wong Chuk Hang to Stanley during the peak hours in the afternoon every day, in order to ease the long queue of waiting passengers.

(e) Hygiene Conditions of Yip Fat Street Public Toilet and Vehicle Washing Problem

A Member said that Yip Fat Street Public Toilet was in poor hygiene conditions and many drivers were often found washing their cars there. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) replied that the department had deployed staff to conduct inspection to the aforesaid public toilet and instructed its cleansing contractors to pay special attention to the sanitary condition of the public toilet concerned. Moreover, FEHD had deployed more staff to step up inspections to the aforesaid location. If anyone was found fouling public places when washing a car, a fixed penalty ticket would be issued to the person concerned. The representative of FEHD supplemented that the department had attempted to install additional devices onto the taps of the aforesaid public toilet so as to make it harder for people to obtain water through connection of a hose to

the tap for washing cars. However, the newly-added components of the taps were frequently vandalised by someone with tools to continue washing their cars. In view of the aforesaid act of vandalism, a Member suggested installing a closed-circuit television or displaying warning notices in a bid to achieve a deterrent effect.

The representative of HKPF said that vandalism of public facilities was a criminal offence. FEHD’s staff or the public could report any vandalism of public toilet facilities to the Police for assistance.

(f) Request NWFB to Improve the Frequency of Bus Route No. 9

A Member suggested at the last meeting that NWFB should provide an additional special departure of Route No. 9 from Shau Kei Wan Terminus via Big Wave Bay at 5:42 p.m. every day. Subsequently, under the arrangement of the Secretariat, the representatives of TD had a meeting with the EAC Members and the representatives of Tai Long Wan Village on the afternoon of 23 January 2019 to learn about the views of the residents of Tai Long Wan Village. TD arranged its staff for a site inspection on the frequency of NWFB Route No. 9 in late January and early February 2019. TD was analysing the findings of the relevant statistics as well as following up with the relevant service operator.

(g) Inadequate Motorcycle Parking Spaces at Stanley

Regarding the issue of inadequate motorcycle parking spaces at Stanley, TD replied that since the proposed locations were close to pedestrian crossing and had been provided with bus stops, in order to avoid the impacts of the entry and exit of motorcycles on the safety of pedestrians and passengers waiting for buses, the locations previously proposed by EAC for motorcycle parking spaces were not accepted. EAC suggested that if Members could identify any other suitable locations in Stanley in future, proposal could be forwarded to TD again.

(h) Squatter Occupants Voluntary Registration Scheme

Referring to a Member’s request at the last meeting that a briefing session be arranged by Lands Department (LandsD) for the Squatter Occupants Voluntary Registration Scheme, LandsD replied that a briefing session tentatively scheduled for mid-March 2019 would be held for the villagers in San Wai Village and Kau Wai Village of Wong Chuk Hang to brief villagers on the Scheme.

(i) Traffic Problems of Nam Long Shan Road and Improvement Proposals

A Member said that there was a hummock on the carriageway off the car park of South Wave Court, Nam Long Shan Road obstructing the sightline of pedestrians and drivers of the uphill lane, coupled with the lack of pedestrian crossing facilities on the road section concerned, it was extremely dangerous for pedestrians to cross the road. A Member suggested that the hummock in question be partly removed with an addition of pedestrian crossing, or the fence on the road opposite the car park of South Wave Court should be removed with provision of a pedestrian crossing facility on the middle section of the road.

In addition, Members said that the bend and trees near Marycove School, 32 Nam Long Shan Road had blocked the view of the pedestrian crossing outside its entrance. Both pedestrians and drivers could not have a clear sight of the road traffic conditions and would be prone to accidents. Hence, Members suggested removing the refuse collection point (RCP) at the TWGHs Jockey Club Sunshine Complex for the Elderly and demolishing the fence on the other side of the road, as well as providing a pedestrian crossing facility on the middle section of the road. The representative of FEHD said that the department would study the proposal for removing the RCP from the said location after the meeting and would give a reply to EAC in due course.

(j) Proposed Designation of the Area outside Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market as a No-smoking Area

A Member said that it was common for people to smoke and to dispose haphazard cigarette butts outside Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market (near the lift at Exit B of MTR Wong Chuk Hang Station), causing problems of passive smoking and environmental hygiene issue. Although cigarette butt containers had been provided in the area outside the Tai Wong Ye Temple, many people gathered under the footbridge were smoking by the guard rails of planters. A lot of cigarette butts were haphazardly disposed of, affecting the environmental hygiene of the area. Therefore, a Member suggested that the department concerned consider designating the whole pavement outside Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market as a no-smoking area. Besides, a Member requested FEHD to put up publicity banners and warning notices in the area outside the Cooked Food Market to advise the public not to smoke there in order to avoid disturbing others.

FEHD replied that the department would follow up the display of publicity banners and warning notices, as well as deploying additional staff to conduct inspection to the area outside Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market and stepping up prosecution against people improperly disposing of cigarette butts in order to achieve a deterrent effect.

II. South Area Committee (SAC)

Matters Discussed at the Meeting Held in January 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 Police and relevant departments to step up their patrol and law enforcement efforts:

(1) Ap Lei Chau Main Street (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) Ap Lei Chau Main Street Bus Terminus

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

Members requested TD to continue to urge the bus company to step up monitoring of the operation of the bus route and make suitable redeployment to maintain frequency stability.

A Member said that environmentally friendly buses, which were fitted with a smaller number of seats, were deployed for Citybus Route No. 98 during some service periods. As many elders would take this bus route, some of them had to stand during the journey due to insufficient seats on board. Besides, Lei Tung Estate Road was the main access road used by the residents. Therefore, the service frequency and bus model deployment of Citybus Route No. 98 must be improved. It was hoped that the bus company would deploy bus models with a higher seating capacity to this bus route during peak hours.

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

SAC would continue to monitor the progress of addition of motor cycle parking spaces at Lee Nam Road, and requested TD to continue to explore feasible options for improving the traffic at Ap Lei Chau Main Street and Yuet Hoi Street.

(e) Speed Reduction Measures at Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road entering Ap Lei Chau Estate

SAC thanked TD for considering the relevant proposals, and asked TD to report on the progress of the study concerned.

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

A Member reflected that a lot of pedestrians crossed the road through the gap between railings at Exit B of MTR Lei Tung Station without using the zebra crossing and posed danger to drivers and other pedestrians. Members requested TD to explore feasible measures to improve the situation.

(g) Unsightly Streetscape Arising from Ubiquitous Occurrence of Fly-posting on Lamp Posts

A Member reported that the fly-posting on lamp posts near MTR South Horizons Station Exit A and the bus stop opposite to Lei Chak House, Ap Lei Chau Estate, and the footbridge between Ap Lei Chau Estate and South Horizons, required

follow-up actions. In this regard, SAC asked the relevant departments to continue to follow up.

(h) 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 dockyard at Ap Lei Chau Praya Road. SAC asked the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to continue its patrol and capture operations for stray dogs.

(i) 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.

(j) Imposition of Control over Large Dogs

A Member reported the spotting of quite a number of unmuzzled large dogs. In this connection, SAC urged AFCD to deploy officers to carry out surprise operations.

(k) 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 the situation had yet to be improved. 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 pavements causing obstruction to the pedestrians. Members asked FEHD to continue to follow up.

(l) Proposal on the Retrofitting of Handrails for the Ramp Connecting Ap Lei Chau Estate and South Horizons along South Horizons Drive

The Housing Department (HD) responded that the project had been incorporated as one of the projects under the 2018/19 budget. SAC resolved to put the issue on hold and would further follow up on the issue upon completion of the project.

(m) Rodent Problem

A Member said that the rodent problem in the vicinity of Ap Lei Chau, especially South Horizons and Ap Lei Chau Estate, should be further improved. SAC asked FEHD to continue to follow up on the matter.

(n) 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. Members requested FEHD to continue to monitor the said issues.

(o) 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 actions.

(p) Tree Pruning and Weed Cutting at Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road (Aberdeen-bound) near Lee Nam Road

The work had already been completed by the HyD in late September 2018. SAC resolved that the item would be removed.

III. West Area Committee (WAC)

Matters Discussed at the Meeting Held in January 2019

(a) Concern about the Noise Problem at the Barbecue Site of the Waterfall Bay Park

A Member had concern about the hubbub at the barbecue site of the Waterfall Bay Park when many people were still hanging out there after midnight. The unreasonably loud noises had caused disturbance to residents in the periphery. LCSD was asked to step up its enforcement action. According to LCSD after the meeting, an overnight shift security guard had been hired to maintain order, distribute promotional leaflets and give advice to persons causing noise nuisance in a timely manner at the Waterfall Bay Park. Meanwhile, officers had been deployed to conduct night patrol, and the Police were requested to step up patrol at the location concerned in the early hours of the morning.

(b) Resurfacing of the Road off Wah On House, Wah Fu Estate

A Member was concerned about the resurfacing works being conducted on the road off Wah On House, Wah Fu Estate. During the works period, the original bus stop on site was relocated forward, which was not convenient for the passengers. HD said that in order to cater for the passengers’ needs, the bus stop was relocated slightly forward for the time being and would be restored to its original location upon completion of the works.

The Chairman of the Working Group on Community Building and Housing Affairs reported that the Working Group had resolved that the WAC Tea Gathering and WAC Fun Fair were scheduled to be held on 6 March and 17 March 2019 respectively.

IV. North Area Committee (NAC)

Matters Discussed at the Meeting Held in February 2019

(a) Issue of Vessel Berthing Spaces at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter

With a large number of yachts berthing at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter before the Chinese New Year and more yachts transferred to Aberdeen for berthing due to an adjustment made to the arrangement of berthing spaces at other typhoon shelters in recent months, the problem of insufficient berthing spaces at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter had further aggravated. Members learned that there were “powerful persons” in other typhoon shelters occupying berthing spaces for the purpose of reaping illegal profits. Members were worried that the same situation would appear in Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, and hence requested that the Marine Department and the Marine Region of the Police pay extra attention accordingly.

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

A Member said that miscellaneous items were often found on the pavement outside Kai Bo Frozen Meat Shop in Tin Wan, causing environmental hygiene problem. Committee Members requested FEHD to consider making adjustment to the daily schedule of street cleansing.

A Member said that the environmental hygiene problem caused by Kai Bo Frozen Meat Shop on Aberdeen Main Road reflected that FEHD should conduct a review on its existing licensing policy, with a view to ensuring that that type of frozen meat shops should take corresponding measures prior to the issuance of licences for prevention of pollution in the surrounding environment.

(d) Hygiene Problem of the Alley between Ka Fook Court and Dai Kee Chinese Barbecue Tea Restaurant in Tin Wan

A Member said that the hygiene condition at the alley between Ka Fook Court and Dai Kee Chinese Barbecue Tea Restaurant was poor due to frequent accumulation of refuse. Committee Members requested FEHD to step up enforcement action against littering offenders at the said location.

(e) Problem of Wild Pigs in North Area

Members said that they had seen people feeding the wild pigs, which affected the environmental hygiene and threatened the residents’ safety. Members urged FEHD and AFCD to follow up as well as strengthening visits and enforcement action in order to achieve a deterrent effect.

(f) Hygiene Problem of Wu Nam Street Public Toilet, Aberdeen

A Member said that the hygiene condition of Wu Nam Street Public Toilet, Aberdeen was unsatisfactory. FEHD was urged to follow up and step up efforts to monitor the performance of its cleansing contractors.

(g) Problem of Shop Front Extensions

A Member said that the fruit shop situated at the junction of Sai On Street and Tung Sing Road, Aberdeen frequently occupied the pavement with its goods, posing safety threat to the road users. Members requested FEHD to follow up.

(h) Suspected Fly-tipping Problem outside Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery

A Member had recently found that part of the wire mesh fence adjacent to the carriageway of Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery was destroyed, and suspected that there was fly-tipping of construction waste at the said location. District Lands Office, Hong Kong West and South of LandsD and the relevant departments were requested to follow up.

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

Secretariat, Southern District Council March 2019