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Following is a question by the Hon Raymond Ho Chung-tai and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (May 21) :

Question:

Recently, there has been a substantial increase in visitors to country parks. Some of these visitors leave behind litter, thus directly affecting the hygiene conditions of country parks. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of:

(a) the average number of litter bins provided by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for each type of recreational facilities (e.g. picnic spots and barbecue sites) in country parks, and the average distance between such litter bins;

(b) the timetable and other details of the work of AFCD's staff in clearing litter in country parks; and

(c) to ensure the hygiene conditions of country parks, the measures AFCD will take to address the litter problem caused by the substantial increase in country park visitors?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) At present, there are about 4,250 litterbins and 1,550 large litter stockades in the 23 country parks in Hong Kong. About 80% of them are placed at some 460 recreational sites, including sites for barbecue, picnic and camping. The number of litterbins and litter stockades provided at these sites varies depending on the size, location, topography and popularity of the sites. On average, the litterbins and litter stockades are about 6 metres apart from one another within these recreational sites. The remaining 20% of the litterbins and litter stockades are mainly placed at entrances/exits of hiking trails and footpaths, and along forest tracks and roads within the country parks. The latter are about 1 kilometre apart from one another on average.

(b) The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) arranges regular litter collection in the country parks. The collection frequency depends on the utilisation rate of the sites. In general, AFCD arranges litter collection one to four times a day for recreational sites, and four to eight times a month for hiking trails and other areas. Additional litter collections will be arranged during weekends and public holidays where necessary.

(c) The recent increase in the number of visitors to country parks mainly results in more rubbish at the popular barbecue sites during weekends and public holidays. To cope with the situation, AFCD is deploying additional staff and has extended the service hours of its cleansing contractors to clear the litter and manage the sites. AFCD has also stepped up patrol and law enforcement to deter littering.

Moreover, AFCD has enhanced publicity to remind visitors to keep the country parks clean. Posters are displayed at the recreational sites and some 500 signs have been erected at the entrances to and along hiking trails in the country parks advising visitors not to leave any rubbish behind but to take it home for disposal.

End/Wednesday, May 21, 2003

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