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CS and SEN visit Yuen Long and Tuen Mun Districts (with photos/video)
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     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, visited Ha Pak Nai Tsuen in Yuen Long District and Lung Kwu Tan Village in Tuen Mun District this afternoon (August 8) to better understand villagers' views on the operation of the West New Territories (WENT) Landfill and its extension proposal. They also inspected the operation of the WENT Landfill and visited tenants at the EcoPark in Tuen Mun to learn more about the business of the recycling industry and the problems it faces.
         
     Mrs Lam said, "During the district visit today, we listened to villagers' views on the WENT Landfill extension. I will personally co-ordinate the relevant departments to follow up on and consider the views received today. In the coming few months, we will strive our best to respond genuinely to the local needs from the districts of the three landfills with extension plans, as well as to address the impacts and concerns brought about by the landfills to the local residents."

     She added, "Having regard to the overall interests of the whole community, I hope local people will understand that no matter how the Government promotes waste reduction at source, end-of-pipe treatment facilities are essential and the waste problem is imminent. The extension of the three landfills in West New Territories, North East New Territories and South East New Territories must begin shortly so that the waste problem in Hong Kong can be effectively dealt with.

     "In addition to conducting the district visit today, Mr Wong and I are willing to maintain communication with the other two District Councils concerned and their residents. We aim to fully address the local concerns before seeking funding approval from the Legislative Council."

      Mr Wong said, "The Government will continue to follow a multi-pronged approach and strengthen efforts in waste management, including those in regard to waste reduction at source, providing support to the recycling industry and waste-to-energy facilities, in order to deal with local waste properly."

     Mrs Lam noted that the recycling industry should have greater development. To take forward the waste reduction policy directives in the long run, the Government will strengthen efforts in co-ordinating the relevant departments and encouraging the participation of different sectors in recycling. The Steering Committee to Promote the Sustainable Development of the Recycling Industry, which is chaired by Mrs Lam, will hold its first meeting shortly and meet with industry representatives soon to listen to the views of the industry for formulation of future plans.

Ends/Thursday, August 8, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:17

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