Rioters blocked roads and caused extensive damages in various districts in recent days, severely affecting people's daily lives.  Members of the public and various Government departments worked together today (November 16) to clear a number of blocked roads.  Relevant Government departments also spared no effort in repairing damaged facilities and arranged alternative services for the public to restore operation in society.
 
     Today many members of the public came out at their own initiative to clear barricades set up by protesters in various districts, facilitating the reopening of many blocked roads.  Their heart touching actions show their love for Hong Kong and inject positive energy into the society.  However, there were rioters who attacked members of the public as well as hurled petrol bombs and hard objects, leading to some injuries.  The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government appeals to members of the public to be careful, and strongly condemns the dangerous acts of the rioters.
 
     Apart from the initiative of the members of the public, the Police, Fire Services Department, Transport Department, Highways Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Civil Aid Service, etc had worked together starting from morning to clear the roads and coordinate with other parties.  Their efforts led to the reopening of various roads, including Tolo Highway, Tai Po Road, Junction Road, Pok Fu Lam Road, Bonham Road, Tong Ming Street and Tong Chun Street in Tseung Kwan O, Tai Po Tai Wo Road, and Kai Leng Roundabout in Sheung Shui.  In particular, the Tolo Highway, which is essential to people living in the northern and eastern parts of the New Territories, has been reopened since noon.  As rioters hurled petrol bombs and various objects onto the Highway from the No.2 Bridge next to the Chinese University of Hong Kong which led to the Highway's closure, relevant Government departments will commence works tonight to close the Bridge temporarily so as to keep the Highway clear and ensure the safety of the road users.
 
     In addition, to facilitate the commuting of people living and working in Tai Po District, Shatin District and North District, today the Government continues to provide free ferry service between Wu Kai Sha Public Pier and Tai Po Waterfront Park Pier, and free coach service between Tai Po Waterfront Park near Dai King Street Roundabouts and Tai Po Market Station.  Although the Tolo Highway has been reopened, the Government will continue to provide the above free transportation services tomorrow and on Monday for the convenience of the public.
 
     Rioters attacked users of the Hung Hom Cross Harbour Tunnel, set fires to the toll booths and vandalised the Administration Building.  As rioters are still assembling nearby and the traffic management system has been damaged, the tunnel cannot be opened soon.  Relevant Government departments and the tunnel operator will assess the extent of the damage to the system and draw up a repair plan once the safety of the working staff can be guaranteed.  
 
     Individual MTR stations have been vandalised by rioters and are out of service, with the University station severely damaged.  Rioters also hurled petrol bombs at MTR facilities.  Relevant Government departments will liaise closely with MTR and make suitable arrangements in accordance with the actual situation.

Ends/Saturday, November 16, 2019
Issued at HKT 23:56

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