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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (July 6) visited the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to better understand the department's work in combating environmental pollution.
Accompanied by the Acting Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Environment), Dr Michael Chiu Tak-lun, the Chief Executive was briefed on the regional air quality monitoring network developed jointly with Guangdong and the efforts to improve regional air quality.
"Improving air quality tops our environmental agenda. But air cannot be cleaned up by the SAR Government alone in a short period of time. Sustained joint efforts by both Hong Kong and Guangdong are necessary," Mr Tsang said.
He reiterated the Government's commitment to achieving the emission reduction targets, agreed with Guangdong, by 2010, through local emission reduction measures and co-operation with the province.
The Chief Executive then proceeded to the EPD's Customer Service Centre (CSC), where he chatted with frontline staff. He noted that the CSC handled more than 73,000 complaint/enquiry calls last year and that the number of cases had doubled over the past 10 years, partly due to an increase in public awareness of the environment.
Mr Tsang also saw how information technology, including the geographic information system, allowed CSC staff to locate the problem on a digital map so immediate action could be taken.
In 2005, the CSC resolved 48% of pollution complaints and 96% of general enquiries upon the first call of contact, without referring the cases to other sections for further action.
The Chief Executive then saw a demonstration of a three-dimensional (3D) environmental impact assessment (EIA) public engagement tool that was developed to put into practice the Continuous Public Involvement concept. Hong Kong is taking the lead in introducing this concept in the EIA process.
With the tool, different options for development projects and their environmental performances can be presented in 3D models through various coloured illustrations, graphics or multi-media images or videos.
"The use of such tools would foster better communication of EIA issues and promote public dialogue on major development projects during project planning and implementation," Mr Tsang said.
He concluded his visit by meeting the department's frontline staff.
Mr Tsang praised the staff for their dedication and readiness to face challenges and combat pollution. "Your professionalism, devotion and ability to handle environmental crises at any time are greatly appreciated," he said.
Ends/Thursday, July 6, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:48
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