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Government departments reported on the latest situation in Tai O, as well as measures to assist Tai O residents in a press briefing today (June 11).
The press briefing was chaired by Islands District Officer Mr Byron Lam. Also present at the briefing were representatives from Highways Department, Water Supplies Department and Geotechnical Engineering Office.
Speaking at the press briefing, Mr Lam said relevant departments had been closely monitoring and assessing the situation in Tai O with a view to providing prompt and appropriate assistance to the residents.
On water supply to Tai O, the Water Supplies Department said the repair works of water pipes supplying water to Tai O were completed and water supply had almost fully resumed since last night. The department would continue to supplement by deploying a tanker to Tai O and Sha Lo Wan.
After continual repair works in the past few days, the section of Tai O Road between Tai O Public Pier and Ngong Ping had been reopened for use by emergency engineering vehicles and transporting of relief materials. The Highways Department added that the repairs to Keung Shan Road was still in progress.
The Geotechnical Engineering Office had so far inspected 23 dangerous slopes in Tai O, Lantau Island. It had suggested temporary resettlement for 22 village houses, and permanently resettlement for seven squatter houses.
The Transport Department, in response to the residents' request, would provide an additional sailing from Tai O to Tung Chung at 5.30 am starting from tomorrow.
The Islands District Office continued to send its staff to call on the remote villages to understand residentsˇ¦ situation and needs, and provide assistance as necessary.
The Civil Aid Service personnel continued to assist residents in clearing the debris as well as sending relief materials to remote villages.
Temporary housing at Yat Tung Estate, Tung Chung and Lung Tin Estate, Tai O, has been arranged with the Housing Department for Tai O residents who wished to move there.
Residents who were affected by the rainstorms and had financial difficulties may apply to the Islands District Office for emergency relief fund.
Ends/Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:53
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