Officials inspect Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground affected by Tropical Cyclone Hato (with photos)
***************************************************************

     The Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan, and the Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Raymond Fan, visited the Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground in Eastern District this afternoon (August 24) to inspect the impact brought about by Tropical Cyclone Hato to the turf pitch, track and field facilities as well as the spectator stand of the sports ground.  The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)’s Head of the Sports Turf Management Section, Mr Cameron Hodgkins, and the Chief Leisure Manager (Hong Kong East), Mr Luk Chi-kwong, also attended the visit.

     During the passage of Hato yesterday (August 23), the Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground was once flooded, while part of rooftop of the spectator stand close to the seaside was damaged and one of the lightning conductors of the high mast floodlight wrenched by the gale.  Flood water retreated after the storm and LCSD staff had immediately carried out clean-up work and arranged relevant government works department to inspect the facilities. The sports ground is now temporarily closed.  LCSD staff are now stepping up with the clearing of sand and mud on the field track.  Government works department is also following up with the repairs of the damaged parts of the spectator stand rooftop to ensure public safety.

     For the turf pitch which had been partly flooded by sea water previously, LCSD is enhancing the watering of the pitch in a bid to dilute the salinity and will closely monitor the grass growth although the sea water had retreated.

     Mr Fan also briefed Mr Chan about damages of the other recreational facilities under the department due to the typhoon, including the shark prevention nets of gazetted beaches and collapsed trees in different districts. The LCSD will continue to follow up with the aftermath of the typhoon with a view to reopening the facilities for public use as soon as possible.

Ends/Thursday, August 24, 2017
Issued at HKT 21:30

NNNN