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In response to media enquiries on the requests made by some Tai O residents, an Islands District Office spokesman said District Officer(Islands), Mr Byron Lam today met with the residents at Tai O to listen to their concerns and requests arising from the flooding caused by Typhoon Hagupit on September 24. Mr Lam also explained the actions taken by the Islands District Office and other government departments in restoring the situation in Tai O.
On garbage removal and improving the hygiene conditions at Tai O, Mr Lam explained that the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) had already strengthened its cleansing service for Tai O since the flooding on September 24 by tripling the number of its workers deployed to Tai O. As it is anticipated that residents would continue to clean up their living quarters or units and remove damaged furniture and items from their homes in the next few days, FEHD would continue to deploy adequate manpower with a view to clearing up the garbage as soon as possible.
On the request to extend the stay of those who were temporarily accommodated at Lung Tin Estate until the conditions of their homes were reinstated, the District Office had followed up the matter with the Housing Department and it was agreed that, to alleviate the hardship of the residents, each case would be considered on their individual merit.
On the request for compensation, the Government was sympathetic towards the residents who had suffered from losses or damages caused by the flooding. If any household who had experienced financial difficulties and required assistance, they could apply to the District Office for emergency relief funds.
On the request for a centrally coordinated mechanism on helping residents suffering from natural disasters at district level, there was already a mechanism in place whereby the District Officer would be the overall coordinator for the relief efforts.
There were some proposals at the meeting today that the Government should construct a dam surrounding Tai O to better protect it from future flooding and that part of the funds originally earmarked for the Tai O Revitalisation project be reserved for emergency relief purposes. The District Office would submit these proposals to the relevant government bureaux and departments for their consideration.
Ends/Sunday, September 28, 2008
Issued at HKT 22:30
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