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To optimise green opportunities in the core city areas, the Government has started a greening programme at prominent locations in Sheung Wan, Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Hung Hom, Mong Kok and Kwun Tong.
The Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau (Works), Mr Y.C. Lo, said today (December 19): "The programme will introduce properly designed planting themes and mark up green corridors for linking strategical pockets of greened areas to enhance the overall visual quality of the environment."
Focus is also given to greening streets in built-up areas, where planting areas are very limited. If there are highly congested underground utilities beneath the pavement, planter boxs will be used, he said.
In addition, different modes of vertical planting at different levels will be adopted with careful selection of species to promote a theme and identity for individual locations.
"Satisfactory progress is being made in implementing the greening programme. Since April this year, more than seven million plants have been planted," Mr Lo said.
"Furthermore, we are compiling a register of old and valuable trees on government land for priority protection," said Mr Lo, adding that so far more than 900 trees had been identified for inclusion in the register.
"It is a mandate for all government projects that no trees should be unnecessarily lopped and felled. Tree felling is the last resort where it is not possible to preserve the trees," Mr Lo stressed.
In such cases, compensatory planting will be provided as far as practical.
The Government will also incorporate information on tree preservation in papers for Public Works Subcommittee when seeking the Legislative Council's approval for funding for public works projects.
He also said a Greening Standards and Maintenance Manual is being compiled to set out guidelines on species selection, planting design and maintenance requirements.
The district councils will be consulted on the greening proposals, including landscape master layout plan and treatment of existing trees on site, for all capital works projects with related soft landscaping works value exceeding $3 million.
"We welcome suggestions from the public on areas for further improvement to our work on greening. Ideas on species selection for different locations or specific greening proposals in particular will help enhance the effectiveness of our greening measures," he added.
"It is the Government's policy commitment to underline the importance of greening and to mobilise resources in promoting greening in public areas," Mr Lo said.
Ends/Friday, December 19, 2003
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