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People visiting cemeteries and columbaria to pay respects to ancestors during the coming Chung Yeung Festival are urged to keep the environment clean and dispose of used containers properly to prevent mosquito breeding.
The FEHD spokesman said the department would provide special cleaning services at public cemeteries and columbaria during the festival period, and deploy staff to clear undergrowth, remove stagnant water in incense burners and containers, and level the ground surface to prevent accumulation of water.
He said, "Extra manpower will also be deployed to remove rubbish, empty bottles and containers to keep the environment clean, while also providing additional litter bins and toilet facilities. However, we certainly need public co-operation to achieve our goal of keeping the environment clean."
To avoid mosquito breeding, the spokesman urged people to clear stagnant water and rubbish before leaving and not to leave behind any containers such as vases, lunch boxes, drink cans, plastic bags, buckets for burning incense or other containers to prevent accumulation of water.
As a precaution against mosquitoes, grave-sweepers are advised to wear long-sleeved tops and trousers and apply insect repellent to exposed parts of the body.
In addition to anti-mosquito announcements, notices and banners appealing for public co-operation will be displayed at public cemeteries and columbaria during the festival.
Managers of private cemeteries have also been advised to take similar anti-mosquito precautions.
Grave-sweepers should be cautious when joss sticks and paper are burnt. This should take place inside designated joss paper furnaces or iron buckets, and grave-sweepers should ensure that all fires have gone out before leaving.
The spokesman encouraged people to adopt more environmentally friendly ways of paying respects to their ancestors, such as offering flowers instead of burning incense. This would help preserve the cleanliness and serenity of the resting places, and will also prevent hill fires.
Officers from the department will step up patrols at public cemeteries and columbaria during the period. Grave-sweepers should remain calm and immediately notify the officers on-site in the event of a hill fire.
The spokesman also appealed to grave-sweepers to make maximum use of public transport during the Chung Yeung Festival. Access to Cape Collinson Crematorium, Diamond Hill Crematorium, Kwai Chung Crematorium, Fu Shan Crematorium, Wo Hop Shek Crematorium and Wo Hop Shek Cemetery will be closed to all vehicles, except those with special permission.
For details of the special traffic and transport arrangements in the vicinity of cemeteries and crematoria during Chung Yeung Festival, please visit the Transport Department website (www.td.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, September 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:31
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