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Government departments reported on the latest situation in the Tai O area in a press briefing today (June 12).
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 the Government would continue to maintain close contact with the residents and listen to their views with the aim of assisting the residents to resume their normal lives as soon as possible.
On water supply to Tai O, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) said a full resumption was already available. Water supply to a number of remote villages was yet to return. While carrying out repairs to water pipes supplying water to those places with full force, the department had provided a water tanker to Upper Keung Shan to facilitate the residents. The Islands District Office (DO) had also transported water tankers to Lower Keung Shan and Shan Lo Wan through the help of the Government Flying Service. In addition, arrangements had been made by Islands DO's works section to help feed stream water to the villagers in San Tau Tsuen.
Repair work continued at Tai O Road and the Highways Department expected that Tai O Road could be fully reopened in two days if weather conditions permitted. The repairs to Keung Shan Road was in progress.
The Geotechnical Engineering Office had so far inspected 25 dangerous slopes in Tai O. It had suggested temporary resettlement for 22 village houses involving 20 people from ten families, and permanent resettlement for seven squatter houses. The Islands District Office advised the affected families to move temporarily to homes of their relatives and friends or temporary public housing units provided by the Government, for safety's sake.
The Islands District Office continued to send its staff to call on the remote villages to understand residents' situation and needs, and provide assistance as necessary.
Since it was forecast that the weather might become unstable tomorrow, the Islands District Office had contacted the police and the Fire Services Department to deploy additional manpower to Tai O to strengthen emergency assistance. The Civil Aid Service members would be stationed in Tai O on a 24-hour basis starting tomorrow.
Residents who were affected by the rainstorms and had financial difficulties may apply to the Islands District Office for emergency relief fund.
Ends/Thursday, June 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:08
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