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The Housing Department will take strict enforcement action against littering arising from feeding of feral birds in common areas at public rental housing (PRH) estates.
"Bird feeders will be served a $1,500 fixed penalty notice and five penalty points under the Marking Scheme for Tenancy Enforcement when caught," the Deputy Director of Housing (Estate Management), Mr Lau Kai-hung, said today (November 6), adding that no prior warning would be given.
"The droppings of feral pigeons may help spread harmful germs. The safest and most effective, economical and humane way to minimise congregation of pigeons is to avoid feeding them," he added.
The Housing Department rolled out a package of specific measures to preserve environmental hygiene in PRH estates and markets in the wake of the recent outbreak of avian influenza in neighbouring countries and places.
To reduce the environmental nuisance caused by wild crows and pigeons in PRH estates, measures taken include trimming overgrown trees, regular washing of the open spaces frequented by wild birds, as well as playing sound devices and deployment of security guards to frighten away the wild birds by pointing torches at trees or using other methods of illumination.
"The department has also stepped up cleaning operations at PRH estates through 'Operation Tai Ping Tei' in a number of estates this month to encourage community participation.
"Cleaning contractors have been advised to clean and disinfect public areas on a more frequent basis especially market poultry stalls, bird roosting sites and bird feeding black spots to remove droppings and remnants of food," Mr Lau said.
While the department will keep inspecting the drainage systems in public areas and on external walls, Mr Lau reminded tenants to take parallel action to report defective drains or seepage problems and to refill U-traps with water inside their flats regularly.
On public education, the department has published pamphlets on proper maintenance of drainage pipes for distribution to all PRH households. Notices informing residents of the penalty and the potential risk of contracting avian-related disease have been put up at prominent locations throughout the PRH estates and on the Housing Channel.
"We will stay vigilant in our precautionary measures to see if there is any need for further escalation," Mr Lau said.
Ends/Sunday, November 6, 2005
Issued at HKT 12:01
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