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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (June 25) inspected areas including Sheung Wan and Western District badly affected by flooding during yesterday's heavy rains which prompted Hong Kong's first red rainstorm warning for 2005.
Mr Tsang said that when he was in Beijing yesterday he was told about the widespread flooding in the urban areas and the New Territories, causing considerable inconvenience and property loss for residents and shopowners.
"When I returned to Hong Kong last night I looked at the TV and saw some hair-raising scenes which were a result of the rains," Mr Tsang said immediately after today's press conference the Chief Executive went to visit some of the affected areas.
"In Sheung Wan where there are many dried seafood shops in the area adjacent to Des Voeux Road West, the flooding was particularly severe, almost one metre high. It was fortunate that no one was injured and damage to goods in shops was not too serious. The residents are taking a positive attitude," Mr Tsang said.
"The Government must pay special attention to reduce the risk of recurrence."
Mr Tsang's first stop was Ko Shing Street and Des Voeux Road West. He visited more than 10 shops there. He then inspected Smithfield Road in Western District where a sudden water torrent caused problems for traffic and pedestrians. A waterfall developed after two slopes collapsed and blocked drainage.
He was accompanied by Director of Drainage Services Mr Lai Fuk-kan, Deputy Secretary for Environment, Transport and Works (Works) Mr Clement Cheung Wan-ching, and Central and Western District Officer Miss Eliza Yau Kwai-chong.
During his inspection tour he was briefed by the Drainage Services Department about the progress of flood protection work in various districts including Ta Kwu Ling where work is expected to be completed early next year. Work in other districts is earmarked to start next year but may take some time to complete.
"I have requested my colleagues to see if these improvement works can be speeded up or if there are any temporary measures that can be implemented to alleviate the chance of more flooding," Mr Tsang said.
Ends/Saturday, June 25, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:46
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