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The Lands Department is stepping up anti-mosquito work in the face of the current mosquito breeding season.

The Lands Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department conducted a special joint grass-cutting and insecticide spraying operation at a site of the former Tai Hom Village in Diamond Hill this (June 17) afternoon.

Speaking to the media after seeing for himself the anti-mosquito operation, the Director of Lands, Mr Patrick Lau, said: "The Department has launched an inspection exercise for all fenced-off Government sites to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes as part of the Government's mosquito control efforts. Some 600 pieces of Government land will be inspected in the first phase, and contractors will be commissioned to cut overgrown grass, remove water containers and rubbish as well as spraying insecticide."

Inspection of the remaining 400-plus Government sites will be conducted at the second stage.

" Members of the public can report problems involving Government sites, including mosquitoes, by telephoning 2231 3294, or informing the Lands Department via the facimile number 2868 4707," Mr Lau noted.

Meanwhile, Mr Lau 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 $50,000 fine.

Ends/Thursday, June 17, 2004