The government-appointed Northern District Community Service Consultative Committee’s closed-door regular meeting on Thursday focused on the enhancement of the city’s public sewer network, with a total of 18 committee members speaking before the formal start of the meeting at the Government Service Centre in Areia Preta, giving various suggestions to the government.
Committee member Zeng Zengwei suggested strengthening the frequency of inspecting the sewers, rainwater drains and grease interceptors in various districts, and that the drainage network should be monitored and maintained in a more scientific and data-based manner so that it can cope with severe weather conditions such as typhoons and rainstorms.
Committee members Si Iat and Xu Zhiwei suggested that before completion of the public housing projects in Zone A, the layout of the drainage network, sewage system and pumping facilities should be optimised, and the pipes should be cleaned regularly.
Citing official data on illicit discharge in the first quarter of this year, committee member Ip Weng Hong expressed the hope that the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) would impose tougher penalties, introduce online monitoring and step up publicity to encourage the reporting of illegal dumping through the “IAM Connect” mobile app to speed up enforcement efficiency.
Committee member Chan Ka In noted that the new Lam Mau Tong footbridge in Areia Preta was equipped with a roof to keep out the sun and rain, but there was a risk of water accumulation during heavy rain near the Trust Leisure Garden estate, and the government needed to strengthen communication with the person in charge to improve pedestrians’ safety.
In addition, the committee’s deputy convenor Chan U Iong pointed out that the parking charges for car parks in the government’s housing estate for elderly tenants were higher than those of the neighbouring car parks and suggested that consideration be given to adjusting the charging scheme in order to relieve the parking pressure affecting the busy Oriental Pearl neighbourhood.
Northern District Community Service Consultative Committee Deputy Convener Kou Ngon Fong (right) and committee member Fu U On look on during a press briefing after the committee’s closed-door meeting on Thursday. – Photo: Ginnie Liang
