Minutes of the 4th Meeting of the Housing Affairs Committee (2016) of Kwai Tsing District Council

Date: 19 July 2016 Time: 2:35 pm - 5:50 pm Venue: K&TDO Conference Room

Attendee Time of Arrival Time of Departure Mr WONG Yiu-chung, MH (Chairman) 2:45pm End of Meeting Miss LO Yuen-ting (Vice-Chairman) Start of Meeting End of Meeting Mr CHOW Wai-hung, Rayman Start of Meeting 5:44pm Miss CHU Lai-ling Start of Meeting End of Meeting Mr HUI Kei-cheung Start of Meeting 5:44pm Ms KWOK Fu-yung Start of Meeting 3:25pm Ms LAM Chui-ling, Nancy, MH Start of Meeting 5:00pm Ms LAU Mei-lo 5:02pm 5:42pm Mr LAW King-shing, MH Start of Meeting End of Meeting Mr LEE Chi-keung, Alan, MH Start of Meeting 5:01pm Mr LEUNG Chi-shing 3:19pm End of Meeting Mr LEUNG Kam-wai Start of Meeting End of Meeting Mr LEUNG Tsz-wing, Dennis Start of Meeting 5:42pm Mr LEUNG Wai-man, MH 3:20pm 4:30pm The Hon. LEUNG Yiu-chung 3:19pm 4:21pm Mr LI Sai-lung Start of Meeting End of Meeting Mr NG Ka-chiu Start of Meeting 5:00pm Mr NG Kim-sing Start of Meeting End of Meeting Mr PAU Ming-hong Start of Meeting End of Meeting Mr POON Chi-shing, MH Start of Meeting End of Meeting Ms TAM Wai-chun, MH Start of Meeting 5:00pm Mr WONG Bing-kuen 2:41pm End of Meeting Mr WONG Yun-tat 3:39pm 4:21pm Mr LAU Pik-kin Start of Meeting 4:55pm Ms CHEUNG Ip-mei Start of Meeting End of Meeting

In Attendance Mr LEUNG Man-hong, Tony Senior Architect 31, Housing Department Mr WU Kwok-tak, Kelvin Architect 3, Housing Department Ms LAI Sum-yee, Sumi Planning Officer 31, Housing Department Ms CHAN Pui-man, Iris Civil Engineer 2, Housing Department Mr FUNG Wing-can, Ken Senior Architect 28, Housing Department Mr KOON Sai-man, Simon Architect 34, Housing Department Ms LO Kwan-yee, Loretta Civil Engineer 8, Housing Department Mr WONG Ka-shing Senior Structural Engineer 11, Housing Department Mr CHENG Wang, Alfred Structural Engineer 161, Housing Department Mr CHUNG Kin-leung, Philip Civil Engineer 19, Housing Department Mr CHAN Hon-wing, Francis Engineer/ Kwai Chung, Transport Department Mr CHEUNG Kam-hing, Billy Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Regional West) 4, Environmental Protection Department Mr NG Chi-yuen Engineer/ New Territories West (Distribution 4), Water Supplies Department Mr CHAN Ka-kit Engineer/ Consultants Management 16, Water Supplies Department Mr LEE Shek-lun Chief Inspector of Police (Operations 1) (Kwai Chung), Hong Kong Police Force Ms PUN Fun-yu District Engineer/ Southwest (W), Highways Department Mrs CHEUNG LO Pik-yuk, Helen Senior Housing Manager (KC), Housing Department Mr MAK Yook-ming, Stephen Senior Property Service Manager/KC, Housing Department Mr WU Tin-yau, Gordon Assistant District Officer (Kwai Tsing), Kwai Tsing District Office Miss MOK Sin-yan, Yvonne Executive Assistant (Kwai Tsing) (Secretary) District Council (5), Kwai Tsing District Office

Absent with Apologies Mr TANG Shui-wah, MH (With prior notice) Mr TSUI Hiu-kit (With prior notice) Mr CHEUNG Wai-man (With prior notice) Mr LAU Chin-pang (With prior notice) Mr LEE Wang-fung (With prior notice) Ms CHEUNG Wai-ching, Clarice (Without prior notice) Mr LAM Siu-fai (Without prior notice)

Responsible Department Opening Remarks

The Acting Chairman welcomed Members and departmental representatives to the 4th meeting of the Housing Affairs Committee (2016), Kwai Tsing District Council (K&T DC).

2. The Committee endorsed the application for leave by Mr TANG Shui-wah, Mr TSUI Hiu-kit, Mr CHEUNG Wai-man, Mr LAU Chin-pang and Mr LEE Wang-fung.

Confirmation of Minutes of the 3rd Meeting of the Housing Affairs Committee (2016)

3. The Acting Chairman said that the Secretariat did not receive any proposed amendment to the minutes. Mr PAU Ming-hong moved the confirmation of the above minutes of meeting which was seconded by Ms LAM Chui-ling, Nancy. The minutes of meeting were confirmed unanimously by the Committee.

Consultation Item

Public Housing Development at Lai Cho Road (Proposed by the Housing Department) (HAC Paper No. 20/D/2016)

4. The Acting Chairman welcomed Mr LEUNG Man-hong, Tony, Senior Architect 31, Mr WU Kwok-tak, Kelvin, Architect 3, Ms LAI Sum-yee, Sumi, Planning Officer 31 and Ms CHAN Pui-man, Iris, Civil Engineer 2 of the Housing Department (HD) to the meeting.

5. Mr LEUNG Man-hong, Tony introduced the paper.

6. Mr POON Chi-shing opined as follows:

(i) HD should not just submit the assessment reports to the Town Planning Board (TPB) for consideration.

(ii) HD was conceiving providing a footbridge connecting the new development with the ex-Kwai Chung Police Married Quarters site and it should advise whether the conception was feasible.

7. Mr PAU Ming-hong said that the public rental housing (PRH)

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Responsible Department development at the former site of the China Holiness College in Lai King Estate (LKE) and the private development at Lai Kong Street (LKS) would also be carried out at Lai King Hill (LKH) simultaneously. These developments would provide more than 1700 flats in total. He enquired if HD had included the two developments above when conducting the Traffic Impact Assessment Report (TIAR).

8. Mr NG Kim-sing opined as follows:

(i) HD did not take into account the problems and leave them to the existing estates to cater for the added demand on community and transport facilities, for example, there was no car parking space in recently developed Kwai Luen Estate (KLE).

(ii) The Kwai Fong Mass Transit Railway Station (KFMTRS) might not be able to support extra passenger load given that there was a serious shortage of ancillary transport facilities.

9. The Chairman opined as follows:

(i) Although the construction of a footbridge might increase the passenger flow of KFMTRS, it would still provide convenience to residents as a whole.

(ii) Lai Yiu Estate (LYE) was classified as one of the non-divested and aged PRH estates by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA). HD should seriously consider redeveloping LYE.

10. Mr CHOW Wai-hung, Rayman opined as follows:

(i) HD always explained that they would study improvement measures with relevant departments. Yet, residents’ opinions were always left unattended.

(ii) Minibuses were always fully loaded when they passed by LYE. Residents had to wait for so long to board. Minibus companies by far had not introduced any new minibus routes and experienced difficulties in hiring drivers. The service frequency could not be raised given that relevant departments did not issue additional licenses.

(iii) HD should be committed to constructing the footbridge and lift 5

Responsible Department tower.

11. Mr LAW King-shing, MH opined that HD should confirm the construction plan of the footbridge before the resident in-take in the new development. He would not oppose the development if HD was able to solve the problems in relation to community and transport facilities.

12. Mr LEUNG Man-hong, Tony gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) The assessment reports were to be submitted to TPB for approval. Members and the public could also inspect the contents of the report. The assessments were conducted with reference to the current pedestrian flow and traffic conditions. The preliminary findings were satisfactory.

(ii) HD would certainly like to confirm the construction of the footbridge as soon as possible. However, the design still needed to be endorsed by other departments. Funding was not a problem to the construction of the footbridge. Instead, there were technical and land boundary issues that required further clarifications. As it would take time to solve the above issues, the footbridge might not be constructed simultaneously with the PRH development.

(iii) HD would like to connect LYE and KFMTRS with the footbridge. This proposal might lead to crowding issue in the vicinity of the MTR station, but HD would conduct in-depth assessment to come up with a detailed design that would balance the interests of different parties.

13. Ms CHAN Pui-man, Iris gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) The TIAR had already taken into account the burden on traffic or population brought about by nearby developments that were known or were about to commence. These included the private development at LKS and the PRH development at LKH Road according to the information provided by the Planning Department (PlanD). The TIAR would require the approval from the Transport Department (TD). The assessment would cover a period till 5 years after completion of the development.

(ii) HD had contacted TD on issues related to the public transport after the consultation forum. TD’s preliminary reply stated that the

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Responsible Department existing public transport services were acceptable. Nonetheless, HD would further assess if there would be additional demand for public transport after the resident in-take. HD would also make recommendations to TD for consideration, such as the increase of bus and minibus routes and the provision of related ancillary facilities.

(iii) HD was of the view that the footbridge would benefit residents of the development and LYE. It might also ease the demand for public transport.

14. Ms LAI Sum-yee, Sumi gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) Car parking spaces would be provided according to the upper limit as stated in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG). That is, 1 private car parking space would be provided for every 31 flats that are not one-person/two-persons ones. According to the current design, there would be around 800 flats and 21 private car parking spaces provided for the proposed project.

(ii) Land is a scarce resource in Hong Kong. We should make good use of every piece of land that was suitable for developing PRH to help those in need. The Lai Cho Road (LCR) site was zoned as “Residential (Group A)” and was suitable for residential purpose. Moreover, there were sufficient ancillary facilities in LYE that could be used by future residents.

(iii) Redevelopment decisions would depend on the Long Term Housing Strategy (LTHS). In short-term, redevelopment would greatly reduce the PRH stock available for allocation to applicants on the waiting list. This would further impose pressure on HD in maintaining the average waiting time targeting at about three years. HD had yet to establish a redevelopment schedule for LYE.

15. The Chairman opined as follows:

(i) The project should provide an additional indoor activity centre for LYE residents.

(ii) There were 2800 flats in LYE and thus the redevelopment value would be relatively higher. The plot ratio was not fully utilized. Redevelopment would therefore provide additional flats. 7

Responsible Department Applicants would not be seriously affected as the redevelopment could be carried out by phases.

(iii) Apart from providing convenience to LYE residents, the construction of the footbridge and lift towers might also ease the impact of illegal parking on Ha Kwai Chung Village (HKCV) residents.

16. The Hon. LEUNG Yiu-chung opined as follows:

(i) He did not object to developing more PRH flats as there was a strong demand in society. Yet, relevant departments should consider the problems related to site location, ancillary transport facilities, community facilities and the supply of school places.

(ii) It was a waste that the plot ratios of aged estates were not fully utilized. The government should redevelop aged estates proactively as promised.

17. Mr CHOW Wai-hung, Rayman said that households affected by redevelopments might be rehoused to PRH flats of the proposed development. LKE and Kwai Shing West Estate (KSWE) had already been classified as estates suitable for redevelopment. HD should take the opportunity to carry out redevelopments in response to the problems relating to the shortage of land and ageing estates.

18. Mr POON Chi-shing opined as follows:

(i) The footbridge would help improving the daily lives of LYE residents. HD should give a definite reply as soon as possible.

(ii) HD should explain why DC could not inspect the papers for submission to the TPB in advance.

19. Mr LEUNG Tsz-wing, Dennis opined that facilities for connecting the proposed development with the nearby estates, more car parking spaces as well as shopping mall, market and residential care services for the elderly should be introduced.

20. Mr LEUNG Man-hong, Tony gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) HD would like to put forth the PRH development at San Kwai Street 8

Responsible Department (SKS) at the same time. However, due to the design and land ownership issues, it could not be launched together with the proposed development.

(ii) A temporary site office of the Highways Department (HyD) contractor, a service station and temporary office of the Water Supplies Department (WSD) and an open-air car park was currently located at the SKS site. HD would like to develop PRH at the site. It would also provide ancillary facilities such as social welfare facilities, car parking spaces, clinics and a shopping mall for LYE residents.

(iii) The site was currently zoned “Government, Institution or Community” and “Village Type Development”. Hence, its land use had to be changed in advance. Meanwhile, the Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) of the site concerned was also subject to judicial review.

(iv) HD was unable to provide a definite timetable and data at the moment. HD would submit the SKS PRH development plan to DC for discussion as soon as it was supported by Members and the land ownership problem and the requests of HKCV residents were made clear.

21. Ms LAI Sum-yee, Sumi gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) Redevelopment decisions would depend on the LTHS. HD did not have timetable on the redevelopment of aged estates at the moment.

(ii) Car parking spaces would be provided according to the upper limit as stated in the HKPSG. That is, 1 private car parking space would be provided for every 31 flats that are not one-person/two-persons ones.

(iii) The project would not offer new social welfare facilities due to limited space. Yet, there was a considerable amount of social welfare organisations near LYE that offered elderly, youth, family, employment training and rehabilitation services. There were also two kindergartens and a mobile library that should be able to fulfil the needs of new residents

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Responsible Department 22. Mr LEUNG Tsz-wing, Dennis opined as follows:

(i) Whether HD could carry out further planning on the project if Members did not raise any objection in the meeting.

(ii) Whether it was not possible to exceed the upper limits stated in the HKPSG. With continuous changes in society, standards in the past might not satisfy the current needs of residents.

23. Mr LEUNG Man-hong, Tony gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) HD would like to commence the construction work by the end of 2017, in accordance with the implementation schedule. This would include the invitation of tenders and the submission of plans.

(ii) HD would like to confirm the construction of the footbridge as soon as possible. However, HD could not make any promises as HD did not have a leading role on the matter.

(iii) HD could carry out further study on the detailed design if the project was supported by DC. This would let other government departments knew that the project could be completed within a specific time frame, thereby increasing their confidence and support to the project.

(Upon hand over by the Vice-Chairman, remaining of the meeting was chaired by the Chairman.)

24. The Chairman said that Members did not raise objection in principle to the above project. He hoped that HD could adopt Member’s opinion and optimize the design. The PRH development at SKS should tie in with the proposed project at LCR if it was confirmed.

25. Mr LEUNG Tsz-wing, Dennis opined that the project was not yet endorsed even when Members had raised their opinion to the project. HD should conduct a more in-depth study and then report to Members.

26. Mr CHOW Wai-hung, Rayman said that HD should provide adequate information at the subsequent meetings to alleviate the doubts of Members and residents. DC would make clear its stance on the project only when HD could provide a satisfactory reply.

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Responsible Department

27. Mr LAU Pik-kin suggested that a working group should be established to review all the housing developments in K&T District regularly.

28. Mr LEUNG Wai-man, MH said that he supported HD to build PRH as soon as possible to help the applicants on the waiting list. He opined that the ancillary facilities could be supplemented after the project was completed.

29. The Chairman said that Members generally supported the building of more PRH as there were plenty of PRH applicants in the society. He hoped that HD could quickly conduct an in-depth study and resubmit the plan to DC.

Discussion Items

The Progress of the Public Housing Development at Tai Wo Hau Road (Proposed by Mr CHOW Wai-hung, Rayman and Mr WONG Yun-tat ) (HAC Paper No. 21, 21a/D/2016)

30. The Chairman welcomed Mr FUNG Wing-can, Ken, Senior Architect 28, Mr KOON Sai-man, Simon, Architect 34, Ms LAI Sum-yee, Sumi, Planning Officer 31 and Ms LO Kwan-yee, Loretta, Civil Engineer 8 of HD to the meeting.

31. Mr CHOW Wai-hung, Rayman enquired how HD would task TD to monitor and improve bus services.

32. Ms LO Kwan-yee, Loretta gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) HD had contacted TD regarding the above question. TD’s written reply stated that “TD would closely observe the resident in-take date of the project and any changes to the demand of passengers. TD would review and strengthen the existing public transport services and study the feasibility of introducing new services when necessary.”

(ii) There should not be a great impact on the demand of public transport as the scale of the Tai Wo Hau Road (TWHR) (Phases I and II) PRH development project was relatively small.

(iii) HD was aware of Members’ concern on public transport and would refer it to TD for follow-up action.

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Responsible Department 33. Mr LEUNG Kam-wai opined as follows:

(i) HD should provide the number of car parking spaces to be provided in the project.

(ii) TD should review the impact on traffic due to an increase in population at West Kwai Chung. TD should also provide the calculation methods so as to explain why it would not be necessary to increase the number of routes and frequencies of the current public transport services.

34. The Chairman enquired if TD had made any comment on the TIAR.

35. Mr CHOW Wai-hung, Rayman opined as follows:

(i) At the residents’ consultation forum, HD said that TD would improve the traffic arrangements in the district in response to the KLE construction plan. Yet, there was not any improvement on the bus and minibus services.

(ii) HD should advise on the number of car parking spaces to be provided in the project.

(iii) HD had previously mentioned that there was a certain construction limit on the number of PRH flats and car parking spaces to be provided. HD should advise on the number of flats that had to be reduced in exchange for an adequate amount of car parking spaces.

(iv) HD should provide concrete information to support that they could urge TD, bus and minibus companies to provide adequate services.

36. Mr LEUNG Kam-wai said that the TIAR only provided the statistics on traffic flow, without information on the transportation routes.

37. Mr FUNG Wing-can, Ken gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) The concrete number of flats and car parking spaces to be provided was unavailable at the moment as the project was still at the design stage. The numbers would be reported to DC after the detailed design was finalized.

(ii) HA was actively studying the feasibility of increasing the number of 12

Responsible Department car parking spaces to be provided at the TWHR (Phase II) PRH development in response to the comments received from DC members and the current situation of the district.

(iii) According to the approved master plan, a total number of 20 private car parking spaces would be provided (10 of them would be located at the Phase II site and the remaining would be located at Kwai Chung Estate (KCE)). Due to the restrictions of the Phase I site, HD was studying ways to provide the remaining 10 car parking spaces at the unoccupied land of the Phase II site. This would fulfill the needs of the residents. HD would try not to construct an underground car park to avoid affecting the slope and trees near the site.

38. The Chairman enquired if only a maximum of 20 car parking spaces would be provided as required by the HKPSG.

39. Mr FUNG Wing-can, Ken said that it was correct. HA would balance the number of flats and the facilities required. HA would also ensure that the planning requirements were fulfilled.

40. The Chairman enquired if HD had expressed their views to TD regarding the public transport routes.

41. Ms LO Kwan-yee, Loretta said that regarding the TWHR PRH development project, TD had carried out assessments on the additional traffic brought about by the completion of the project when rezoning the Kwai Chung OZP. The result showed that the project had minimal impact on traffic. Moreover, Members’ concerns on the public transport services, the improvement measures on traffic and the services of bus and minibus would be referred to TD for follow-up action.

42. Mr WONG Yun-tat opined as follows:

(i) There were insufficient private car parking spaces at KCE and Kwai Shing East Estate (KSEE). HD should provide 1 private car parking space for every 20 flats.

(ii) The issue of insufficient parking space was worsened as PlanD had rezoned many temporary car parks to residential use.

(iii) HD should simultaneously consider the number of motorcycle 13

Responsible Department parking spaces to be provided. It is believed that local stakeholders would support amending the plot ratio in exchange for an increase in the number of car parking spaces provided.

43. The Hon LEUNG Yiu-chung opined as follows:

(i) TD and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) were vigorously combating illegal parking recently. However, inadequate car parking spaces was one of the main reasons.

(ii) It was understandable that HD tried to make use of every single space in its construction plans. However, HD should also consider the problem of inadequate car parking spaces.

44. Mr LEUNG Kam-wai said that if TD had assessed the public transport TD situation of KLE and TWHR PRH developments, TD should then be able to provide the respective assessment report. He requested TD to provide the report.

(Post-meeting note: The DC Secretariat had already passed Mr LEUNG Kam-wai’s request to TD for follow up actions.)

45. Mr CHOW Wai-hung, Rayman opined as follows:

(i) 40 car parking spaces in KSEE were reserved for KLE residents as there was no car parking space in KLE.

(ii) There should be more car parking spaces provided in this project to solve the respective deficiency problem in KLE.

(iii) HD should discuss with relevant departments regarding an adjustment to the plot ratio.

46. Mr NG Kim-sing opined as follows:

(i) There were many cars parked illegally near Luen Yat House and Luen Yuet House. Some residents explained that they had to park the cars along the road as they could not find any car parking space.

(ii) It was very often that there were children crossing the road in that particular area. Illegal parking would pose danger to pedestrians.

(iii) HD should not just focus on developing new estates, but also the 14

Responsible Department problems related to the transport and community facilities.

47. Mr FUNG Wing-can, Ken gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) He understood Members’ concerns and promised to conduct a more in-depth study on the design.

(ii) As both sites of the project were located on a slope, excessive excavation would affect the safety of the slope.

(iii) He would try to provide the necessary facilities, including car parking spaces, while balancing the needs of different stakeholders.

48. The Chairman opined as follows:

(i) The proposed project was currently subject to a judicial review. HD should race against time to optimize the design and to seriously consider Members’ opinion.

(ii) KSEE, KLE and the TWHR PRH development project would increase the number of residents in the district. HD should increase the supply of car parking spaces to a reasonable extent.

Measures to be Taken During the Construction of Subsidised Sale Flats (2016-2019) at Texaco Road (Proposed by Mr WONG Bing-kuen and Mr HUI Kei-cheung) (HAC Paper No. 22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e/D/2016)

49. The Chairman welcomed Mr WONG Ka-shing, Senior Structural Engineer 11, Mr CHENG-wang, Alfred, Structural Engineer 161 and Mr CHUNG Kin-leung, Philip, Civil Engineer 19 of HD; Mr CHAN Hon-wing, Francis, Engineer/Kwai Chung of TD; Mr CHEUNG Kam-hing, Billy, Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Regional West) 4 of the Environmental Protection Department; Mr NG Chi-yuen, Engineer/New Territories West (Distribution 4) and Mr CHAN Ka-kit, Engineer/Consultants Management 16 of WSD; Mr LEE Shek-lun, Chief Inspector of Police (Operations 1) (Kwai Chung) of HKPF; and Ms PUN Fun-yu, District Engineer/Southwest (Works) of HyD to the meeting.

50. Mr WONG Bing-kuen and Mr HUI Kei-cheung introduced the paper.

51. Mr WONG Ka-shing gave a consolidated response as follows:

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Responsible Department

(i) HD had contacted the above two Members before the meeting to understand their concerns. Members were worried that the traffic would be seriously affected if HD, HyD and WSD conducted works in that area simultaneously.

(ii) HD would erect hoardings around the works area and carry out the foundation works for the proposed project. The foundation works would include the construction of mini piles and shallow foundations that supported the entire building. The whole process would take around 10 months. A minimal traffic flow of around 2 to 4 works vehicles per hour would be generated during that period. There would be a relatively higher traffic flow of around 10 concrete mixers per hour during the concreting process at the later stage of the project.

(iii) As referred by the two Members, it was known that HyD and WSD would carry out road improvement works and waterworks at Texaco Road (TR) and TWHR respectively. In view of this, HD had contacted both HyD and WSD. In principle, all three departments agreed to strengthen communication so that the impact on traffic would be minimized.

52. The Chairman opined that TR was very narrow. Close coordination among departments was especially important to minimize the impact on traffic if the three departments had to conduct works in that area simultaneously.

53. Ms PUN Fun-yu gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) In response to the work order issued by TD, HyD would carry out improvement works regarding the pedestrian crossing at the junction of TR and TWHR. It included the installation of traffic light poles at TWHR and the provision of road markings at the junction of TR and TWHR.

(ii) HyD had conducted excavations in early May this year. It was found that there were many sets of underground utilities which would hinder the work progress. The improvement works could only be carried out after the migration of such utilities.

(iii) It was learnt that WSD would carry out waterworks at the same location. Hence, the improvement works of the pedestrian crossing 16

Responsible Department could only commence after the waterworks were completed. To save time, HyD would seek to relocate the underground utilities simultaneously with the waterworks.

54. Mr CHAN Ka-kit said that WSD would, in stages, carry out the connection works of water mains along TWHR, in between TR and Tai Ha Street (THS). Some of the works would adopt the trenchless technique. It was estimated that the excavation permit would be granted by the end of July or early August. The works should complete within the first quarter of 2017. The current plan was to carry out works that located at the road sections where the works of HyD would also take place. The road sections could then be passed to HyD as soon as possible.

55. Mr CHAN Hon-wing, Francis gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) HD’s foundation works would only be carried out within the site and would not involve any closure of traffic lanes. As mentioned by HD previously, there would only be a few works vehicles going in and out of the site at the early stage of the construction work. TD would keep close contact with HD. If HD later required a temporary closure of traffic lanes, HD had to provide the related temporary traffic arrangements beforehand to be approved by both TD and HKPF.

(ii) According to the work plans provided by WSD previously, the trenchless excavation of WSD was mainly located at the safety island in front of the Crown of Thorns Church (CTC). It would involve narrowing some of the traffic lanes. According to the temporary traffic arrangement provided by WSD, apart from narrowing some of the traffic lanes during the construction period, the current traffic configurations would not be affected.

(iii) Regarding the improvement works of the pedestrian crossing in front of CTC, HyD would carry out excavation works on the pavement in order to construct the ramps and traffic lights specially designed for disabled people. Yellow-striped road markings would also be painted at the middle of the pedestrian crossing. Although the area involved was relatively wide, as the excavation work was not required, it would only require a phased partial closure of roads for a few days to paint the yellow striped road markings and to wait for the paint to dry.

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Responsible Department (iv) In general, the above works would be coordinated when applying for the excavation permits. The temporary traffic arrangements would also need to be submitted to both TD and HKPF for approval. The road closure applications would only be approved when there would not be any serious impact on traffic.

56. Mr LEE Shek-lun gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) The Kwai Tsing Police District (KTPD) did not foresee any serious problem that might occur during the construction period. As usual, HKPF were more concerned about the anti-theft arrangements of the site and the problem of illegal workers.

(ii) HKPF did not foresee any serious traffic impact on TR and TWHR brought about by the construction work. As the two roads were located at the boundaries of KTPD and Tsuen Wan Police District, KTPD would notify the Road Management Office of the New Territories South Regional Traffic Formation to closely monitor and to coordinate with one another to ensure that the traffic flow thereat would be acceptable.

57. The Chairman enquired if the illegal parking problem at THS would affect the work progress.

58. Mr LEE Shek-lun gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) The street management unit of KTPD was aware of the situation. THS was a U-shaped one-way traffic lane. All commercial activities in that area would be suspended if parking opportunities were completely eliminated.

(ii) HKPF had been closely monitoring and combating illegal parking. HKPF had often received Members’ opinion and would continue to follow up.

(iii) HKPF would set priorities on traffic enforcement every year. HKPF would emphasize on combating double parking this year. Such behavior was absolutely not allowed and HKPF would step up the law enforcement actions.

59. Mr CHEUNG Kam-hing, Billy gave a consolidated response as follows:

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Responsible Department (i) The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) had laws that regulated pollutions, including wastewater and noise, generated at construction sites. All license and permit applications of the construction works had already been submitted to EPD.

(ii) An on-site inspection was carried out by EPD on the 8th July, 2016 regarding the license application under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance. It was discovered that the foundation work would soon begin. EPD had further reminded the safety officer and site supervisor about the environmental requirements and conditions. They understood that they had to comply with the laws and regulations. Problems related to the control of dust emissions and machinery were not found.

(iii) EPD would carry out irregular inspections when necessary. EPD would conduct relevant examinations based on the work nature. For instance, EPD would examine the wastewater situation during the foundation work and the dust emission problem during the concreting process.

60. Mr WONG Ka-shing said that as the site entrance was close to bus and minibus stops, HD would require works vehicles to enter the site by making a left turn via the Texaco Road southbound. In cases there were buses or minibuses dropping-off, the works vehicles would have to wait patiently at the back until the bus or minibus had left. HD would not allow works vehicles to queue up at the entrance of the site.

61. Mr WONG Bing-kuen opined as follows:

(i) HyD should advise on the location of the utilities and the impact of the works on road users.

(ii) WSD should advise on whether the trenchless technique would cause no impact on road users.

(iii) Departments concerned should coordinate with one another so that the nuisance to citizens could be minimized.

62. Mr HUI Kei-cheung opined as follows:

(i) HD should provide the data collected earlier on traffic flow. The traffic at TR and TWHR was already very busy. It was believed that 19

Responsible Department the traffic would be worsen during the earlier stage of the construction as there would be extra 10 works vehicles per hour going in and out of the site.

(ii) HD should provide data on the noise levels before and after the construction work. HD should advise on whether related approvals from EPD had been granted and what was the noise level acceptable by HD.

(iii) The works schedule indicated that the construction work would commence on the fifth day of Lunar New Year next year. As many people would be on leave about that time, this might cause danger to citizens who crossed the road.

(iv) WSD did not report about the temporary traffic arrangements and the works plan during the construction period and, therefore, the exact location of the waterworks was unknown.

(v) The improvement works of HyD would be conducted during the period of December this year to May next year. It would overlap with HD’s construction work during Lunar New Year.

63. Mr LAU Pik-kin enquired how government departments and private organizations would coordinate during the migration of utilities.

64. Mr CHAN Ka-kit said that the trenchless waterworks of WSD would involve two pits. One would be located at the central divider in the middle of the uphill and downhill lanes of TWHR. WSD had already submitted the temporary traffic arrangements to TD for approval. If assistance was required, WSD would request HKPF to deploy staff to conduct the traffic. Should there be any traffic congestion, WSD would also instruct the works staff to narrow the area of the road closures.

65. The Chairman requested WSD to submit detailed information of the WSD waterworks to the Committee after the meeting.

(Post-meeting note: Please refer to HAC Circulation Paper No. 9/2016 for supplementary information.)

66. Ms PUN Fun-yu gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) When formulating the temporary traffic arrangements, the contractor 20

Responsible Department would carefully consider the impact caused by the improvement works on the environment and road users. The temporary traffic arrangements would also be submitted to the relevant departments for approval. The contractors would carry out the construction work only when the excavation permit was received. It is estimated that there would not be any huge conflict between the construction works of HyD and HD.

(ii) The underground utilities that would be migrated were mainly located on the pavement next to CTC. The actual migration work would be arranged by the related utility service providers. The service providers were currently applying for the excavation permits. HyD would ask them to migrate the utilities concerned as soon as the permit was granted.

(iii) There were routine maintenance works on road surfaces and drains near TWHR. Since the maintenance works on road surfaces would mainly be carried out during night time and the time required was relatively short, it is believed that it would not cause any serious impact on traffic.

67. Mr CHUNG Kin-leung, Philip said that as shown in the TIAR, there was around 20% reserved capacity at the junction located at the intersection of TR and TWHR. The concreting process of the construction works would only involve four days. Moreover, there would only be a traffic flow of around 10 vehicles per hour at most during the peak hours. Hence, there should be minimal impact on traffic.

68. Mr WONG Ka-shing gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) HD could make corresponding arrangements in response to the temporary traffic arrangements of HyD. Should there be any road closures during that period, HD would try to avoid paving concrete wherever feasible.

(ii) HD would monitor the noise and dust situations regularly. HD, along with Members, had previously inspected the four monitoring points that were relatively more sensitive. HD would strictly monitor the situation. If the standards as stated in the contract were exceeded, HD would require the contractor to strengthen the relevant mitigation measures.

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Responsible Department (iii) HD would require contractors to use movable noise barriers to ease the noise pollution problem. Those barriers could block the source of noise directly, thereby achieving a better noise insulation effect.

(iv) The contract of HD stated that contractors had to water the construction site and vehicular access regularly during the construction period. Works vehicles had to go through the washing facility before leaving the site. Contractors would assign staff to rinse the body and tires of the works vehicles to ensure that the mud would not be brought out of the site.

69. The Chairman said that the departments involved should carefully consider the construction schedules of all the parties and coordinate with each other so as to minimize the impact on pedestrians and traffic.

70. Mr WONG Bing-kuen opined as follows:

(i) WSD should provide the concrete project details and schedule of the WSD waterworks to the Committee after the meeting.

(Post-meeting note: Please refer to HAC Circulation Paper No. 9/2016 for supplementary information.)

(ii) TD should submit a report to the Committee after the meeting that TD included the details of all construction works and to compile a comprehensive timetable. The report should reflect the potential conflicts and the coordination methods of the construction works.

(Post-meeting note: Please refer to HAC Circulation Paper No. 8/2016 for supplementary information.)

(iii) All relevant departments should submit a works schedule and HD progress table for the individual project to the Committee after the HyD meeting. WSD

(Post-meeting note: Please refer to HAC Circulation Paper No. 9, 10 and 11/2016 for supplementary information.)

71. Mr HUI Kei-cheung opined as follows:

(i) HyD and WSD should submit the relevant works schedules and work HyD plans to the Committee after the meeting. WSD 22

Responsible Department

(Post-meeting note: Please refer to HAC Circulation Paper No. 9 and 11/2016 for supplementary information.)

(ii) TD was responsible for approving road works. TD should inform DC about the application of excavation permits as soon as possible.

(iii) An emergency contact list for the construction works should be created among departments.

(iv) HKPF should report in detail the arrangements regarding traffic control and prosecution of illegal parking during the Lunar New Year.

72. Mr CHAN Hon-wing, Francis said that as the contractors would already need to coordinate and arrange the priority of the works when applying for the excavation permit. Hence, there should be little chances that the construction works of the various departments would be carried out simultaneously.

73. Mr WONG Ka-shing said that HD had already posted the emergency telephone list at prominent locations of the site. The schedule mentioned earlier was a preliminary estimation. Following adjustments being made to the works schedule, it was more likely that the concreting process would commence after the Lunar New Year.

74. The Chairman hoped that HD, HyD and WSD could strengthen their communication. He opined that TD should communicate with Members when approving temporary traffic arrangements to have a better understanding Members’ opinion to the projects and the needs of the public.

75. Mr WONG Bing-kuen said that the written reply from EPD did not mention that the contractors had to apply for a noise-related permit.

76. Mr HUI Kei-cheung requested HD to submit the data on noise, dust and HD traffic flow to the Committee after the meeting.

(Post-meeting note: Please refer to HAC Circulation Paper No. 10/2016 for supplementary information.)

77. Mr CHEUNG Kam-hing, Billy said that the contractors would only need to apply for a construction noise permit if they need to work from 7 pm to 7 am or anytime during public holidays. Yet, the construction work would not be 23

Responsible Department carried out during that period. In any case, EPD would handle the complaints related to daytime construction prudently.

Security Loopholes and Strengthening Security of Kwai Luen Estate Phase II (Proposed by Mr NG Kim-sing ) (HAC Paper No. 23, 23a /D/2016)

78. Mr NG Kim-sing introduced the paper and added as follows:

(i) Not only the residents of Luen Yuet House and Luen Yat House would walk through the podium of KLE (Phase II), the residents of KSEE and KSWE would also go to Kwai Fong through the podium. The pedestrian flow in that area was therefore very high.

(ii) Several criminal cases happened in KLE (Phase II). The residents were worried as some of the cases were not solved yet.

(iii) HD should provide an additional security post at the entrance of the Luen Yat House podium so as to plug the security loopholes at that area.

79. Mr MAK Yook-ming, Stephen gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) HD had arranged security guards to station at the ground floor lobbies of Luen Yuet House and Luen Yat House in accordance with the Grade-A Security System established by HA. HD had already arranged additional security guards to station at the podium round-the-clock in the light of the special condition of KLE (Phase II).

(ii) According to the information submitted by HKPF to the Estate Management Advisory Committee (EMAC), there was about one criminal case per month in KLE (Phase II) since the resident in-take in July 2014, including telephone deception, criminal intimidation, criminal damage, theft and wounding and assault. HD had attached great importance to the cases although there was no evidence showing that the cases were related to the current security arrangements. HD had already instructed the KLE Property Service Management Office to strengthen the security within the estate, such as the strengthening of patrols and strict enforcement of visitor registrations.

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Responsible Department

(iii) HD was studying methods to better the security system at the podium. This included the installation of convex mirrors and closed circuit televisions at the entrance of Luen Yat House to facilitate security guards to monitor the situation at the entrance.

80. Mr NG Kim-sing opined that the situation was worrying as there was about one criminal case per month. He hoped HD could implement the above short-term measures as soon as possible and increase the number of security guards.

81. The Chairman opined that HD could firstly implement the above short-term measures. If the situation had yet to improve, HD should seriously consider increasing the number of security guards.

Condensation of Water on the Floor of the Upper Flat Caused by Operation of Air Conditioners at the Flat Immediately Below in Kwai Luen Estate Phase II (Proposed by Mr NG Kim-sing ) (HAC Paper No. 24, 24a /D/2016)

82. Mr NG Kim-sing introduced the paper and added as follows:

(i) The problem was very common among estates. The situation would be even more serious at newly developed estates. HD should explain if it was the thinner platform that worsened the problem.

(ii) Apart from arranging mediations for the households concerned, HD should also actively improve the design of the platforms and arrange relocations for the affected households as soon as possible.

83. Mr LEUNG Tsz-wing, Dennis opined as follows:

(i) There was a complaint regarding the above problem reported to the security guards in On Yam Estate (OYE). However, the household concerned never answered the door and the case had not been followed up. HD should advise whether they had a system to pass the complaint to the household living downstairs.

(ii) HA should include the problem in the Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement (MSEME).

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Responsible Department 84. Mr CHOW Wai-hung, Rayman said that the subject was discussed in a meeting last year and it was recommended that HD should include it in the MSEME. Yet, HD by far did not make any response to the subject.

85. The Chairman said that there were many elderlies living at aged estates. The condensation of water on the floor would cause elderlies to slip easily. HD should thus face up to the problem.

86. Ms LAU Mei-lo opined as follows:

(i) There were many elderlies living in KSWE. Many cases were received in the past regarding elderlies’ slipping due to condensation of water on the floor.

(ii) In general, elderlies would not like to be relocated. HA should seriously consider including the said problem in the MSEME.

87. Mr NG Kim-sing opined as follows:

(i) The problem of condensation of water on the floor caused by the operation of air conditioners would seriously affect other households. Hence, it should be included in the MSEME.

(ii) Individual households that required prolonged air conditioning due to a reasonable cause should be exempted.

(iii) Relocation was not an actual way to solve the problem. Households would only apply for relocations under compelling circumstances.

88. Mr LI Sai-lung opined as follows:

(i) Similar problems also happened in Shek Yam Estate frequently. HD should strengthen the related education and promotion work so that residents would understand the cause of the problem and arouse their sense of civic responsibility.

(ii) Regarding future PRH projects, HD should improve the structures and designs of the buildings to minimize the chances of condensation of water on the floor.

89. Mr MAK Yook-ming, Stephen gave a consolidated response as follows:

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Responsible Department (i) Many households would turn on air conditioners during summer time which might lead to the condensation of water on the floor. The reasons for such condensation were relatively complicated. Different environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, air ventilation and the habits of residents would cause the formation of water drops.

(ii) HA did not include the said problem into the MSEME at the moment as it was difficult to confirm whether the problem was caused by the use of air conditioners by the households themselves or their neighbours from the immediate upper and lower floors.

(iii) Frontline staff of HA would actively assist residents to solve the problems related to the condensation of water. After receiving a complaint, an on-site inspection would be carried out at the affected unit to investigate the cause of the problem and to give suitable advice. The situation had generally improved after the advice was made.

(iv) The staff of HA would actively contact and request residents living at lower floors to cooperate in order to minimize the nuisance to residents living at upper floors.

90. The Chairman suggested HD to study locations suitable for installing air conditioners, strengthen the education of residents on the problem and consider including the said problem in the MSEME.

Matters Relating to the Purchase of Insurance for Public Housing Estates by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (Proposed by Mr LEUNG Tsz-wing, Dennis and Ms LAU Mei-lo) (HAC Paper No. 25, 25a/D/2016)

91. Mr LEUNG Tsz-wing, Dennis introduced the paper and added as follows:

(i) The blockage of sewers would lead to back-flow of sewage in the washrooMs HD should install drain pipes in the kitchen or balcony.

(ii) Since the public liability insurance purchased by HD did not cover the loss of property caused by the back-flow of sewage, HD should appeal to the residents to buy their own insurance.

(iii) Regarding the Harmony type of blocks in cruciform, the sewage

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Responsible Department would be discharged to the manholes via the two L-shaped pipes located on the second floor. As the L-shaped pipes were always clogged by miscellaneous items, HD should install anti-backflow devices in flats located on the second floor, abandon the use of L-shaped pipes and replace the existing pipes with wider pipes.

92. Mr MAK Yook-ming, Stephen gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) HD had carried out improvement works in the past to deal with the problem related to the back-flow of sewage. However, the design of certain flats in OYE (Phase II) would hinder the carrying out of the improvement works. Staff from the maintenance unit had actively followed up the problem and would study the relevant improvement measures.

(ii) HD would appeal to the residents to consider buying their own home insurance at the next EMAC meeting of OYE.

(Post-meeting note: HD said that the EMAC meeting of OYE was held on the 28th July, 2016. At the meeting, HD staff had introduced the importance of home insurance to the committee members and appealed to residents to consider buying their own home insurance.)

93. Mr POON Chi-shing opined as follows:

(i) The problem related to the back-flow of sewage also existed in other estates (such as Cheung Hong, Cheung Wang and Cheung Hang Estate) within the district. Complaints regarding the issue were often received in the past.

(Post-meeting note: HD said that according to records, there were 3 cases of sewage back-flow in Cheung Hong Estate; 3 cases in Cheung Wang Estate; and 4 cases in Cheung Hang Estate during the past year. The main reason was that there were households disposing inappropriate items into the sewers which blocked the main sewer and thereby causing the back-flow of sewage. When a report on sewage back-flow was received, HD would normally use high pressure water jets to clear the blocked pipes and remove the miscellaneous items in the pipes. Whenever necessary, HD would also reinstall pipes with lubricants at the easily blocked locations (such as the podium on the first floor) to improve the drainage effect. HD would also install plastic sewage pipes with non-return valves. All of the above cases were followed-up immediately and the repairing works were completed.)

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Responsible Department

(ii) HD should carry out improvement measures on sewers for all estates in the district.

94. Mr CHOW Wai-hung, Rayman opined as follows:

(i) Ever since the management company of KSEE was changed to Good Excel Property Consultant Limited, the back-flow of sewage and the bursts of drainage pipes had happened frequently. There was a case that even required making a claim through legal proceedings.

(ii) HD escaped from their responsibilities by making use of the insurance system and loss adjusters. Residents always could not get the protection that they deserved and had to suffer from various kinds of losses.

95. Mr MAK Yook-ming, Stephen said that the loss adjusters were responsible for investigating whether the accident was caused by the negligence of HA. If residents had bought their own home insurance, they could appoint loss adjusters under the concerned insurance company to investigate if the accident had involved any negligence.

96. The Chairman said that the back-flow of sewage would cause serious nuisance to residents. He suggested HD reviewing whether the current design would easily cause the back-flow of sewage and strictly monitoring if the management companies had inspected the manholes regularly.

97. Mr MAK Yook-ming, Stephen said that for estates that were managed by management companies, HD would instruct the management companies to clean the manholes regularly. For estates that were managed directly by HD, HD would require the works staff to closely monitor the problem.

98. Mr CHOW Wai-hung, Rayman opined as follows:

(i) HD’s contract only required management companies to be responsible for the management matters of the estates. HD did not state how often the management companies should be required to clean the manholes in the contracts.

(ii) The performance of the new management company was far from satisfactory. He also questioned why HD did not consult DC and EMAC for opinions before renewing the contract.

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Responsible Department

99. The Chairman hoped that HD could inspect the drainage problems in Cheung Hong, Cheung Wang and Cheung Hang Estate.

(Post-meeting note: HD said that the estate management office or the estate property service management office would rent high pressured gully emptier regularly to clear the underground channels. This would minimize the possibility of channel blockages.)

100. Mr MAK Yook-ming, Stephen noted the above comments and promised to follow-up the case.

101. The Chairman requested HD to report the inspection findings and the list HD of estates that would carry out drainage improvement works to the Committee before the next meeting.

(Post-meeting note: HD said that the drainage improvement works of Hang Lai House in Cheung Hang Estate had already been carried out from the fourth quarter of 2015 to the second quarter of 2016.)

Question on Local Issues

Specific Proposal and Timetable for the Replacement of Fresh Water Pipes in Kwai Luen Estate Phase II (Proposed by Mr NG Kim-sing) (HAC Paper No. 26, 26a/D/2016)

102. The Chairman welcomed Mr FUNG Wing-can, Ken, Senior Architect 28 of HD again to the meeting.

103. Mr NG Kim-sing said that the written reply from HD did not mention about the specific timetable and details for the replacement of fresh water pipes.

104. Mr FUNG Wing-can, Ken gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) HD would first replace the substandard pipes installed at the common areas. The pipes installed inside the flats would be replaced at the following stage.

(ii) HD would, according to the actual situation, establish a detailed timetable for replacing the pipes inside the flats and announce it in due course.

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Responsible Department (iii) The arrangement of pipes inside the flats was relatively more complex with slight differences in each of them. Some flats might even have altered the original arrangement of pipes. HD would study the plan for the replacement of pipes with the contractors to avoid affecting the interior renovations and suspending the water supply so as to minimize the impact on residents.

105. Mr NG Kim-sing enquired whether HD could announce the detailed timetable for the replacement of pipes inside the flats before the end of this year.

106. Mr FUNG Wing-can, Ken said that the replacement of pipes inside the flats would commence early next year. It was expected that the timetable would be announced before the end of this year unless there was any technical difficulties. HD promised to announce the specific timetable before commencing the replacement work.

107. The Chairman enquired if HD had estimated the number of months required before the announcement on the timetable could be made.

108. Mr FUNG Wing-can, Ken said that HD was still studying the actual situation. Such estimation was not made at the moment.

109. The Chairman announced that the meeting would continue in the form of a seminar due to inadequate quorum. The minutes of the seminar can be found at the Annex.

Kwai Tsing District Council Secretariat August 2016

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Responsible Department Discussion of the Seminar of the Housing Affairs Committee (2016) of Kwai Tsing District Council

Date: 19 July 2016 Time: 5:50 pm - 5:58 pm Venue: K&TDO Conference Room

Cleanliness and Environmental Hygiene Issues in Kwai Luen Estate (Proposed by Mr NG Kim-sing ) (HAC Paper No. 27, 27a /D/2016)

Mr NG Kim-sing introduced the paper and added as follows:

(i) The cleaning company had previously used faulty cleansers that damaged the floor tiles. HD said that they would replace some of the tiles on the 6th floor but he opined that the tiles on the other floors should also be replaced.

(ii) HD should seriously consider if it was suitable to renew the contract with the existing management company.

2. Mr MAK Yook-ming, Stephen gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) HD would replace the dirtier tiles located on the 6th floor. It was expected that the replacement work would commence within the next two to three months.

(ii) The contract between HD and the management company would end shortly. HD would handle the procedures and arrangements related to the renewal of contract according to the established mechanism.

(iii) HD would conduct surveys among residents for every three months. If the management company could achieve a certain amount of grades, HD would arrange the renewal of contract according to the established mechanism.

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Responsible Department Information Papers

Housing Department’s Statistical Returns and Progress Reports on Housing Affairs in the District (May to June 2016) (HAC Paper No. 28/I/2016)

3. Mr LEUNG Kam-wai said that there were cases related to the suspension of salt water supply due to the bursts of pipes in KCE. He said that there were very few similar cases in other estates within the district.

4. Mrs. CHEUNG LO Pik-yuk, Helen said that she would report to the Committee after the meeting regarding the reasons of the cases.

(Post-meeting note: HD said that the suspensions of salt water supply were due to the maintenance of damaged pipes of individual flats in KCE.)

5. The Chairan said that HD had already listed the number of cases referred by Members in the report.

Hong Kong Housing Society’s Statistical Returns and Progress Reports on Housing Affairs in the District (May to June 2016) (HAC Paper No. 29/I/2016)

6. Members noted the above paper.

Report Items

Reports of the Working Groups

(i) Public Housing Affairs Working Group (HAC Paper No. 30/R/2016)

(ii) Private Housing Affairs Working Group (HAC Paper No. 31/R/2016)

7. Members noted the above papers.

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Responsible Department Date of Next Meeting

8. The next meeting was scheduled to be held at 2:30p.m. on 4 October, 2016 (Tuesday).

Kwai Tsing District Council Secretariat August 2016

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