SDC Paper No. 44/2019 (For Information)

SDC Paper No. 44/2019 (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 June 2019

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

A Member suggested that the Government terminate the short-term tenancy (STT) with all the shipyards near Wong Chuk Hang Pet Garden in order to recover the government land to facilitate its planning for the purpose of constructing a walkway to connect Sham Wan and Ocean Court so as to provide convenient access for the public. On the other hand, a Member said that the tenants of the shipyards at the aforesaid location were essential support for the maintenance of local vessels. If the existing STT leases were terminated, it would be give rise to the negative impact on the operation front of the trade and over a hundred workers would lose their bread and butter. As such, the Member strongly objected to the subject proposal. Members thus asked the Lands Department (LandsD) and other departments concerned to provide the relevant information on the STT of shipyards and sought their advice on the provision of walkway in the area of shipyards for EAC’s follow-up.

(Post-meeting note: The EAC Secretary has written letters to LandsD, the Highways Department (HyD) and Transport Department (TD) requesting them to follow up the above matter on 25 June 2019.)

(b) Proposed Addition of Crash Barriers to a Section of 46 Tai Tam Road (Lamp Post Nos. 38680-38682)

A Member said the road section of 46 Tai Tam Road near Lamp Post Nos. 38680-38682 had not been provided with crash barriers. If an accident took place, there was possibility that some vehicle might fall off from the roadside and plummet down the slope. Therefore, TD and HyD were requested to add crash barriers to the above road section to enhance driving safety.

A Member said that there were quite a number of fallen trees on the roadside of Big Wave Bay Road near Lamp Post No. 27667, causing blockage of drainage. It was worried that the imminence of rainy season would increase the risk of flooding in Tai Long Wan Village and thus the departments concerned were requested to follow up as soon as possible. In mid June 2019, officers of Drainage Services Department, HyD and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) had visited Tai Long Wan Village and discussed with the village representative the improvement to the above roadside drainage system. The Member further said that after the torrential rain on 4 June 2019, there was serious flooding in Tai Long Wan Village. The Southern District Office (SDO) had a site visit with several government departments to the village immediately to deal with the flooding problem. Afterwards, improvement works was carried out for Big Wave Bay Beach and the stream course drainage system. The works had started to show good results.

(d) Adding Safety Advice for Hiking at Dragon’s Back Country Trail, Shek O and Cape D'Aguilar Marine Reserve

A Member said that Dragon’s Back Country Trail, Shek O and Cape D'Aguilar Marine Reserve were tourist attractions. Visitors were often found taking photos at the scene but neglecting their own safety. They stood near the edge of the cliff or on a rock for photo-taking. As there was no shelter and railing near the edge of cliff, it would be very dangerous. Hence, the Member requested that Agriculture, Fisheries and

Conservation Department (AFCD) should add warning signs at the Dragon’s Back Country Trail of Shek O and Cape D'Aguilar Marine Reserve to remind the public not to stand near the edge of cliff or on the rock for taking photos.

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

A Member suggested at the last meeting that the refuse collection point (RCP) at the TWGHs Jockey Club Sunshine Complex for the Elderly should be removed in order to facilitate TD’s further implementation of the feasibility study of adding a pedestrian crossing facility to the said location. According to FEHD’s reply, the Department was now considering the results of public consultation to determine whether the RCP concerned should be removed or cancelled. Any decision made would be reported to the EAC in due course.

(f) Request Adding a Cover to NWFB No. 9 Bus Stop at the Roundabout at the Junction of Big Wave Bay Road and Shek O Road

A Member suggested at the last meeting that a cover should be added to the NWFB No. 9 Bus Stop at the Roundabout at the Junction of Big Wave Bay Road and Shek O Road. TD cited the reply of NWFB that due to limited space on the footpath of the above bus stop, NWFB could not add a cover to the said location. Members requested TD to assign officers for a site visit to the above location together with representatives of Tai Long Wan Village so as to have a review of the bus stop design and improvement to the safety of the waiting passengers.

(g) Proposed Designation of a Road Section in Stanley as No Cycling Zone

A Member suggested at the last meeting that TD consider designating a road section in Stanley as No Cycling Zone. TD responded that the condition of roads in Stanley was suitable for all drivers and riders, including cyclists. Currently, there was no evidence indicating that cycling would impose a threat to the overall traffic safety of the carriageways in the area. Hence, there was no plan to set up a No Cycling Zone for the roads in Stanley at the present stage.

(h) Concern over the Security Threats near Lung Yan Court and Lung Tak Court in Stanley

A Member raised a concern at the last meeting about the security issue of Lung Yan Court and Lung Tak Court in Stanley. According to the reply of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), patrol had been enhanced around International Montessori School near Lung Tak Court for crime prevention purpose.

(i) EAC Activities in 2019-2020

The Working Group on Southern District EAC Activities held its second meeting on the afternoon of 14 June 2019. Members unanimously agreed that a tea gathering would be held for the elderly in a Chinese restaurant at Aberdeen on 11 or 18 December 2019 (Wednesday) from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The attendance rate was expected to be 330 persons, with a total of 28 tables.

II. South Area Committee (SAC)

Matters Discussed at the Meeting Held in May 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 HKPF and relevant departments to step up their patrol and law enforcement efforts, as well as providing the number of prosecutions instituted during daytime and nighttime 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

(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 where necessary to maintain frequency stability.

A Member said that environmentally friendly buses provided with fewer seats were 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. Besides, Lei Tung Estate Road comprised uphill and downhill road sections. Therefore, the service frequency and bus 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 that bus route during peak hours.

(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.

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

TD completed the relevant works in April 2019. Upon discussion, SAC resolved that the item would be removed.

(f) 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. Members requested TD to explore feasible options to improve the said traffic situation.

(g) 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. 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 shipyard at Ap Lei Chau Praya Road. SAC asked the 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 keep in following up and provide the number of prosecutions instituted before SAC meeting for Members’ reference in the meeting. SAC also sought AFCD’s advice on the ways to expel the wild pigeons.

(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 the 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 Horizon Drive

The Housing Department (HD) had completed the relevant works. SAC resolved that the item would be removed.

(m) 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. 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 situation.

(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 action.

(p) Spotlights of Vessels in the Waters near South Horizons Shedding Light towards the Residential Areas

A Member said that recently, vessels in the waters near South Horizons were found turning on spotlights towards the residential areas and requested the departments concerned to follow up. The Marine Department (MD) and HKPF responded that they had patrolled the waters in question but did not find the said situation. MD and HKPF also said that they would continue to patrol the waters in question and remind the representatives of the relevant fishermen’s organisations and responsible persons of the relevant vessels to avoid causing nuisance.

(q) Noise Produced by Vehicles after Midnight at South Horizons

A Member said that there were vehicles producing noise after midnight at South Horizons. In this regard, SAC asked the departments concerned to follow up. HKPF responded that it would institute prosecutions against owners of illegally modified vehicles. In case of illegal motor racing, the case would be referred to the relevant traffic section for follow-up.

III. West Area Committee (WAC)

Matters Discussed at the Meeting Held in May 2019

(a) Problem of Vehicles Crossing Double White Line on Chi Fu Road

A Member raised a problem about vehicles often found crossing the double white line off Carpark D of Chi Fu Fa Yuen, Chi Fu Road during peak hours in the morning. On 21 May 2019, the Chairlady and Members of WAC conducted a site visit to the aforesaid location together with the representatives of HKPF and SDO. HKPF said that it would step up enforcement action at the location. Moreover, a Member further suggested that replacement of fish-eye mirrors should be made at the carpark exit with a view to improving drivers’ sightline before leaving the carpark. The Member concerned would contact the management company of Chi Fu Fa Yuen as soon as possible and put up the suggestion for their consideration.

(b) Matters relating to Estate Facilities

A Member had concern about the cleansing problem of the newly added ventilation fans in Wah Fu Estate. The representative of HD said that when installing the ventilation fans, consideration would be given to whether the locations of installation would facilitate easy cleansing. A cleansing company would be engaged to carry out the cleansing work on a periodic basis and security guards would also be instructed to pay attention to the cleansing condition of the ventilation fans regularly. Another Member pointed out that defective street lamps were found in the Estate and had no timely replacement yet. HD representative said that the department had arranged for the security guards to inspect and monitor the street lamps. Replacement would be carried out if it was necessary. HD also advised that if defective lamp poles were found, residents could put down the identification number marked on the pole and call the HD to report the problem for follow-up action.

IV. North Area Committee (NAC)

Matters Discussed at the Meeting Held in May 2019

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

A Member urged FEHD to continue to deploy officers to conduct inspection and take appropriate action with a view to maintaining environmental hygiene.

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

A Member requested FEHD to continue to keep in view the hygienic condition of the street outside the shop as well as stepping up its efforts for cleansing of the shop’s rear lane.

A Member urged FEHD to remind the operators of restaurants at Ka Wo Street to properly dispose trash to eliminate rodent nuisance.

(d) Feeding of Stray Cats and Dogs

Members said that there were quite a number of people feeding stray cats and dogs near Aberdeen Centre and Old Main Street Aberdeen, FEHD was thus requested to remind the public through publicity and education that feeding stray cats and dogs would give rise to environmental hygiene problems such as rodent infestation.

(e) Anti-mosquito Work in North Area

Members urged FEHD to enhance its anti-mosquito work for the bush areas around Yue Fai Court, Aberdeen Baptist Church Pak Kwong Kindergarten, Island Road Government Primary School and Pui Tak Canossian College.

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

Members urged FEHD to expedite the installation of electrical points in the public toilet so as to facilitate addition of floor dryers and improvement to the devices of ventilation system.

(g) Problem of Shop Front Extensions

Members requested that FEHD should take more stringent measures to combat street obstruction caused by shop front extensions (SFE). For example, consideration could be given to imposing a heavier penalty in order to mete out severe punishment to repeated SFE offenders.

(h) Problem of Public Urination

A Member said that someone was found urinating on the spot at the footbridge of Nam Ning Street and the Old Main Street Rest Garden during the period between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., hence it was suggested that the FEHD officers should conduct more inspections during night time.

Advice Sought

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

Secretariat, Southern District Council July 2019