********************************
The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, visited Sha Tin District today (September 21) to see how environment enhancement works in the district have developed and to listen to views of local residents about environment protection.
Accompanied by the Sha Tin District Officer, Mr Andrew Lai, Mr Yau made his first stop at the Sha Tin Rowing Centre where he was briefed on the progress of environment improvement works on Shing Mun river.
The Government commissioned the Shing Mun River Improvement Works in May, 2001, to tackle the odour problem of the riverbed through bioremiation. As a result, the river water quality of the main channel has improved significantly.
The Secretary then proceeded to City One Shatin where he was briefed on the progress of retrofitting noise barrier on a section of Sha Tin Road.
He noted District Councillors' suggestions about using green elements in the barrier design so that the project would be in harmony with the surrounding environment.
Works to retrofit the Sha Tin Road noise barrier are scheduled to begin in mid-2009 for completion by the end of 2011.
Mr Yau then visited the Baptist Lui Ming Choi Primary School where he was told about the concerted efforts made by the school on environmental education and saw environmental protection facilities in the school campus.
To end his visit, Mr Yau met Sha Tin District Council members at Sha Tin Government Offices and sought their views on environmental protection and local affairs.
Ends/Friday, September 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:44
NNNN
