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The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) reminds people paying respects to their ancestors during the Chung Yeung Festival period to keep the environment clean and dispose of used containers properly to prevent mosquito breeding.
An FEHD spokesman said today (September 20) that the department would provide special cleaning services at public cemeteries and columbaria during the festival period.
Staff will be deployed to clear undergrowth and remove stagnant water in discarded containers and incense burners to prevent accumulation of water.
The FEHD will also deploy more manpower to remove rubbish, empty cans and bottles in the cemeteries and columbaria. More litter bins and toilet facilities will be also be provided.
Managers of private cemeteries have also been advised to take similar anti-mosquito measures.
"Public support and co-operation are crucial. Before leaving, grave-sweepers should clear stagnant water and rubbish. They should not leave behind any containers such as vases, lunch boxes and buckets for burning incense, etc, to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water that mosquitoes can use for breeding," the spokesman said.
"As a precaution against mosquitoes, grave-sweepers should wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers and apply repellent to exposed skin and/or clothing," he added.
He also urged grave-sweepers to take extra care when burning incense to prevent hill fires.
"Burning should only be done inside an incense burner or iron bucket and grave-sweepers should put out all fires before leaving," he said.
Grave-sweepers are advised to make full use of public transport during the festival period and pay attention to road closures in the vicinity of public cemeteries and columbaria.
Access to Cape Collinson Crematorium, Diamond Hill Crematorium, Fu Shan Crematorium, Kwai Chung Crematorium and Wo Hop Shek Cemetery will be closed to all vehicles on Chung Yeung Festival Day (October 5), except those with special permission.
Ends/Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:01
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