Press Releases

Public satisfied with progress of cleanup operations

An overwhelming majority of the public had given a positive rating when assessing the progress of the cleanup operations of the 90 hygiene blackspots prioritized for cleanup under the first round of the Hygiene Blackspots Elimination Exercise.

Since the public assessment scheme started on April 26, over 400 returns had been received. An analysis showed that the public considered that there were significant improvements in 82 per cent of the blackspots. The ratings for no improvements and slight deterioration were 16 per cent and two per cent respectively.

Throughout the territory, the North and Sha Tin districts had scored full marks. They were followed by the Tai Po, Sai Kung and Wan Chai districts.

"We are very pleased to note that the public ratings on the 90 chosen blackspots are generally positive. This indicates that they are satisfied with the efforts put in by the various departments in keeping Hong Kong clean," Mr Stephen Pang, Principal Assistant Secretary for Health and Welfare Bureau said.

"But there will be no complacency. Departments concerned will keep up with their good work in clearing up hygiene blackspots. It is equally important that the public should also cooperate by keeping their environment clean. Without their cooperation, our efforts will be useless and the cleaned-up places will become dirty again," he added.

The public can view the scores of the individual 90 selected blackspots by visiting the Healthy Living web-site (http://www.info.gov.hk/healthyliving/).

The Government announced the 90 hygiene blackspots, five from each district, prioritized for cleanup by various District Management Committees in March and had subsequently invited the public to assess the progress of the cleanup operations.

In addition, the District Offices have arranged to set up panels comprising municipal councillors, district board members and local representatives to give an independent assessment on the effectiveness of the cleanup operations.

Mr Pang said that more than 2,300 reports were received during the second round of the Hygiene Blackspot Elimination Exercise from February 16 to May 31.

"The departments concerned have started clearing up about 75 per cent of the reported blackspots.

"They will also step up enforcement actions at the cleaned blackspots," he added.

End/Saturday, June 12, 1999

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