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The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, visited Kwai Tsing District this morning (May 2) to observe the usage of a restored landfill and the operation of a waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling centre in the district. He also met local District Councillors.
Accompanied by the District Officer (Kwai Tsing), Mr Lo Ying-ki, Mr Wong first visited Hong Kong Jockey Club International BMX Park, which is situated on the restored Gin Drinkers Bay Landfill. Mr Wong was briefed by the site personnel about how the restored landfill was developed into a BMX park, as well as on the daily operation and management of the facility.
There are currently 13 restored landfills in Hong Kong which are mainly reserved for community and recreational purposes. The Chief Executive announced in the 2014 Policy Address that the Government had earmarked $1 billion to set up the Restored Landfill Revitalisation Funding Scheme to fund the development of compatible recreational facilities or other innovative proposals at these restored landfills for the enjoyment of the local community and members of the public. Mr Wong said he hoped that non-profit-making organisations, national sports associations, etc, would apply for funding under the scheme, and develop recreational or other facilities on these sites from which the community can benefit.
Mr Wong then visited a WEEE recycling centre in the district and the operators there briefed him on how locally collected electronic waste is treated and recycled properly, as well as on the current operation of the centre.
Mr Wong said that the Government has commenced preparatory work on legislative proposals to implement a mandatory producer responsibility scheme (PRS) for WEEE, which is to be tabled at the Legislative Council later this year. Meanwhile, a site in the EcoPark in Tuen Mun has been reserved for the development of a WEEE treatment and recycling facility. Mr Wong noted that the implementation of the PRS and the development of relevant facilities would enhance the proper management of WEEE generated locally as well as the long-term development of the local recycling industry. Overall, the scheme can prevent pollution in a systematic manner to protect the environment.
Mr Wong then visited the Kwai Tsing District Office where he met the Chairman of Kwai Tsing District Council, Mr Fong Ping, and various district councillors. After listening to their views on environmental policies and environment-related issues, Mr Wong expressed his gratitude to the District Council for their support for the Government's environmental policies and their efforts in promoting environmental protection proactively in the district, which contributes to a green living environment in Hong Kong.
Ends/Friday, May 2, 2014
Issued at HKT 12:46
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