Press Releases

Results of public assessment on hygiene blackspots announced

The final assessment of the second round of the Hygiene Blackspots Elimination Exercise shows that 74 out of the 90 selected blackspots have successfully been eliminated.

Announcing the results of the second round of public assessment today (Monday), Principal Assistant Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mr Stephen Pang, said this remarkable achievement indicated the dedication of Government departments in cleaning up the blackspots and the determination of the Administration in raising the hygiene standard of Hong Kong.

He said, "In comparison, the number of blackspots eliminated in the second round assessment is 14 more than that in the first round. Also, 10 districts out of 18 had all their five blackspots registering significant improvement and successfully eliminated as compared to five in the last round of assessment."

The 10 districts are Central and Western, Eastern, Wan Chai, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Yau Tsim Mong, North, Sai Kung, Sha Tin and Kwai Tsing.

In the second round assessment, 89 blackspots out of a total of 90 have made significant or some improvement. These include 74 being considered as achieving significant improvement and 15 making some improvement.

Mr Pang pledged that to maintain the cleaned up blackspots in good conditions, Government departments would continue to monitor their situation closely.

Special signboards have been/will be erected to appeal for public cooperation in keeping the locations clean. In addition, the Home Affairs Department have been implementing minor environmental improvement projects at cleaned up blackspots as far as possible.

Mr Pang, however, said that the public's continued support and participation is of paramount importance to the success of the Exercise.

"Since the launch of the Exercise, members of the public have taken an active part in improving the conditions of their living environment. We have so far received a total of over 4,800 reports of hygiene blackspots and over 4,400 assessments from members of the public. More than 80 per cent of the blackspots reported were promptly dealt with by concerned departments.

"While the Administration is committed to making Hong Kong a cleaner city, the public also need to co-operate by refraining from littering and to show care and concern about their environment."

Meanwhile, the third round assessment of hygiene blackspots has started and the public is urged to continue to assess the hygiene blackspots by calling the hotline (2189 2789), sending in assessment forms obtainable from the District Offices and local offices of the two municipal services departments, and making use of the electronic assessment form available at the Healthy Living Campaign website (http://www.info.gov.hk/healthyliving/) or e-mail to "blackspt@hwb.gcn.gov.hk".

The updated list of the 90 blackspots is also posted at the website for public viewing.

End/Monday, November 8, 1999

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