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The Lands Department today (September 26) conducts a clearance action to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sources at the hillside near Lei Muk Shue Estate at Sheung Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan.
The move is in response to a call by the Department of Health for all Government departments to take immediate measures against the spread of dengue fever in Hong Kong.
Following report of the infection on Ma Wan, the District Lands Office in Tsuen Wan took the initiative to liaise with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to conduct a joint operation for the removal of overgrown grass on Government land there.
It was completed on September 25.
To help prevent the spread of the disease, District Land Offices all over the territory are conducting inspections to vacant Government land sites with a view to identifying blackspot areas for clearance actions.
In addition, they are promoting the mosquito prevention message by putting up posters in their offices.
During today's action, a large number of water containers believed to have been placed by morning walkers for watering the plants they grew on the hillside were removed.
A Lands Department spokesman said that such containers were ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
He urged residents not to cultivate on Government land, particularly on hill slopes, which often create mosquito problems.
"Those who are convicted of illegal occupation of unleased land are liable to six months' imprisonment and a $10,000 fine, while illegal excavation on such land can bring six months' imprisonment and a $5,000 fine," he said.
He added that the clearance action will continue on Government land in various districts in the coming weeks.
End/Thursday, September 26, 2002
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