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The Correctional Services Department organised a community planting ceremony today (June 17) at the newly completed Lo Wu Correctional Institution (LWCI). The event is part of the department's continued efforts in greening and improving the environment.
Attending the ceremony, the Senior Superintendent of LWCI, Ms Chung Chi-lan, said the LWCI redevelopment work started in April 2007 and its overall construction was completed recently. Greening, being part of the project, helped beautify the environment of the new institution and integrate it harmoniously into the community.
Over 120 trees including Lagerstroemia Speciosa together with shrubs, bedding plants and lawn were planted at the institution.
On energy-saving facilities, Ms Chung said: "In addition to the building's rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, three of the building's roofs are planted with bedding plants and lawn to increase the green area and reduce the interior temperature of the buildings."
To alleviate overcrowding in female institutions and provide an opportunity to refurbish old penal facilities, the department converted the old sites of LWCI and the Lo Wu Saddle Club into a new institution with three zones with a total capacity of 1,400 penal places.
Also attending the ceremony today were Vice Chairman of North District Council and Chairman of the Sheung Shui District Rural Committee, Mr Hau Chi-keung; Chair Professor of Geography (Soil, Tree and Environmental Science) of The University of Hong Kong's Department of Geography, Professor Jim Chi-yung; representatives from the local community and other government departments.
Ends/Thursday, June 17, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:41
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