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LCQ22: Provision of drinking fountains in the open spaces of public housing estates
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     Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, in the Legislative Council today (April 20):

Question:

     Some members of the public have recently relayed to me that drinking fountains are not provided for public use in the open spaces (including parks, gardens and playgrounds) of public housing estates and Home Ownership Scheme courts (housing estates/courts) currently managed by the Housing Department (HD).  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the housing estates/courts in the open spaces of which drinking fountains are provided; and

(2) whether drinking fountains are currently included in the standard provisions for housing estates/courts; if they are not, of the reasons for that; whether the authorities will conduct a review in this respect to consider making drinking fountains a standard provision, with a view to meeting the needs of the public, and promoting the drinking of more water as a way of healthy living and encouraging members of the public to reduce buying fattening drinks with a high sugar content from retail outlets or vending machines?

Reply:

President,

     There is no guidelines stipulated under the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines on the provision of drinking facilities; and drinking facilities are not standard provision in existing public housing estates.  The Hong Kong Housing Authority provides parks and leisure grounds in public housing estates for use of local residents.  It is convenient for residents to bring their own beverages for drinking in these venues.  They can also buy beverages in shops in the estates.

Ends/Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:15

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