LCQ9: Trees at HK Disneyland
**************************** Following is the question by the Hon Choy So-yuk and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, in the Legislative Council today (October 26):
Question:
I have received many complaints from the public about mosquito infestation in Hong Kong Disneyland (HKD). They point out that as only non-fruit-bearing trees have been planted in HKD, few birds frequent the place, which does not help control the mosquito problem. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of:
(a) the number of trees planted in HKD at present, with a breakdown by their species and whether they are fruit-bearing;
(b) the preventive measures adopted in HKD against mosquito infestation; and
(c) the number of complaints by visitors to HKD authorities about mosquito bites so far, and the details of the complaints?
Reply:
Madam President,
According to the Hong Kong Disneyland Management Limited (Management Company), there are about 18,000 trees in the Hong Kong Disneyland and its hotels, of which 70% are flowering trees that are fruit-bearing. There are altogether about 150 species, including Tamarindus indica, Gnetum gnemum, Artocarpus species, Syzygium jambos, Syzygium cumini, Feijoa sellowiana, Illicium verum, Sterculia monsperma, Dillinia indica, Pongamia pinnata, Mimusop elengi, Terminalia catappa, Tabebuia species, Garcinia subelliptica, etc. According to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the main cause of mosquito infestation is water accumulation and not the species of trees.
We understand from the Management Company that they have implemented an active pest monitoring and control programme since July 2005 to improve the sanitary condition. This programme includes measures such as installation of mosquito traps, regular monitoring of fluctuations in pest population, frequent checking of any accumulation of stagnant water and elimination of all potential mosquito breeding grounds. These measures have proved to be effective.
For public areas in the vicinity of the theme park, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is carrying out regular mosquito control measures which include the clearing of stagnant water and other potential mosquito breeding grounds, and the application of insecticide or larvicidal oil as necessary.
Since the opening of the Hong Kong Disneyland, the Management Company has received four cases of pest-related complaints. No complaints have been received over the past three weeks. The Management Company observes that the implementation of the pest monitoring and control programme has been effective in dealing with mosquito infestation.
**************************** Following is the question by the Hon Choy So-yuk and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, in the Legislative Council today (October 26):
Question:
I have received many complaints from the public about mosquito infestation in Hong Kong Disneyland (HKD). They point out that as only non-fruit-bearing trees have been planted in HKD, few birds frequent the place, which does not help control the mosquito problem. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of:
(a) the number of trees planted in HKD at present, with a breakdown by their species and whether they are fruit-bearing;
(b) the preventive measures adopted in HKD against mosquito infestation; and
(c) the number of complaints by visitors to HKD authorities about mosquito bites so far, and the details of the complaints?
Reply:
Madam President,
According to the Hong Kong Disneyland Management Limited (Management Company), there are about 18,000 trees in the Hong Kong Disneyland and its hotels, of which 70% are flowering trees that are fruit-bearing. There are altogether about 150 species, including Tamarindus indica, Gnetum gnemum, Artocarpus species, Syzygium jambos, Syzygium cumini, Feijoa sellowiana, Illicium verum, Sterculia monsperma, Dillinia indica, Pongamia pinnata, Mimusop elengi, Terminalia catappa, Tabebuia species, Garcinia subelliptica, etc. According to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the main cause of mosquito infestation is water accumulation and not the species of trees.
We understand from the Management Company that they have implemented an active pest monitoring and control programme since July 2005 to improve the sanitary condition. This programme includes measures such as installation of mosquito traps, regular monitoring of fluctuations in pest population, frequent checking of any accumulation of stagnant water and elimination of all potential mosquito breeding grounds. These measures have proved to be effective.
For public areas in the vicinity of the theme park, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is carrying out regular mosquito control measures which include the clearing of stagnant water and other potential mosquito breeding grounds, and the application of insecticide or larvicidal oil as necessary.
Since the opening of the Hong Kong Disneyland, the Management Company has received four cases of pest-related complaints. No complaints have been received over the past three weeks. The Management Company observes that the implementation of the pest monitoring and control programme has been effective in dealing with mosquito infestation.
Ends/Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Issued at HKT 12:28
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