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In response to media enquiries on the follow-up actions of the Tree Management Office (TMO) of the Development Bureau in view of the tree collapse incident on Bonham Road, a spokesman for the office made the following reply today (July 22):
The TMO is very concerned about the recent tree collapse incidents triggered by the unstable weather and continuous heavy rain. In order to address the risk of tree collapse in the wet season, the office will step up efforts in tree management work on various fronts.
The TMO has requested tree management departments to re-inspect trees with higher risk, including stonewall trees, and large, old and roadside trees in areas with high pedestrian and vehicular flow, and follow up as appropriate to prevent accidents as far as possible.
The office will continue to provide professional technical advice to assist tree management departments in handling tree problems.
Tree management departments have completed about 37 600 tree group inspection forms/tree risk assessment forms this year (as at end June) according to the Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement promulgated by the TMO. The departments have accordingly removed 4 200 trees and carried out 17 200 risk mitigation measures such as pruning, removal of wilted branches, treatment of pest and disease, and installation of tree support systems.
The TMO will step up audit checking of tree risk assessment carried out by the tree management departments to ensure compliance with the promulgated guidelines. The office will also refer problematic trees identified during the audit checking, site inspections and field patrols to relevant departments for remedial action.
Ends/Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:09
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