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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (May 9) inspected the West New Territories (WENT) Landfill in Tuen Mun and was briefed on the progress of various waste management initiatives.
Accompanied by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, the Chief Executive went by helicopter to the landfill to see the landfilling and waste tipping operation. He also viewed the facilities of the Landfill Gas Utilisation Plant which generated electricity for the site infrastructure.
Mr Tsang was impressed by the design and engineering of the landfill, which can take in around 6,300 tonnes of waste per day. He said Hong Kong faced an imminent waste management problem as its three strategic landfills would be full in four to eight years.
"Our top priority is to reduce and recycle waste as much as possible. Nevertheless, using only landfills as the final disposal method for municipal solid waste in Hong Kong is not a sustainable solution.
"We need to extend the landfills and develop new waste facilities such as Integrated Waste Management Facilities (IWMF) and sludge treatment facility," the Chief Executive said.
During the visit, Mr Tsang had a aerial view of the ash lagoons in Tsang Tsui and the Shek Kwu Chau Island which are the two potential sites for the development of IWMF. Tsang Tsui is also earmarked for the extension of the WENT Landfill and the sludge treatment facility.
"The Government fully understands the community sentiments on the proposed facilities and will continue to engage closely with the respective District Councils and local residents.
"We will ensure that the future facilities are modern, clean and meet the highest international standards. They should be completely safe and not cause any adverse impact to health and the environment," Mr Tsang said.
Ends/Friday, May 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:08
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