************************************************************
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has adopted vigorous measures against mosquito breeding at LCSD venues to tie in with the Government's efforts to prevent dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis.
Guidelines on the specific measures to curb mosquito breeding have been issued to all LCSD staff and contractors responsible for cleaning, horticultural maintenance and venue management.
Staff of the 18 districts are deployed to all LCSD venues to carry out anti-mosquito measures at least once a week.
A total of 3,552 special anti-mosquito operations and 4,239 special cleaning operations were conducted between January and April, 2006.
"We pay special attention to removing stagnant water from clogged channels, ponds, tree holes, bamboo stumps, flowerpots and other containers," a department spokesman said.
To prevent the accumulation of water, all water storage containers are tightly covered. The circulation system of fountains and ponds are inspected regularly to ensure that they are working properly. Rubbish, including discarded bottles and tins, is removed in disposable plastic bags, which are properly tied.
Chemicals such as larvicidal oil are applied weekly to stagnant water that cannot be eliminated immediately so as to control mosquito larvae.
Should it find any potential sources for mosquito breeding in the vicinity of LCSD venues such as construction sites, the LCSD would contact the owners or relevant departments and request appropriate action, the spokesman said.
The LCSD has also liaised closely with the Lands Department to identify vacant government land for beautification to reduce the number of potential mosquito breeding grounds.
For controlling adult mosquito activities, the LCSD has installed 300 mosquito-trapping devices at 162 venues.
Apart from the efforts of LCSD staff and contract workers, the cooperation of the public is necessary in the fight against mosquito breeding.
"We will continue to educate the public about the importance of the prevention and control of mosquitoes through banners, posters, leaflets and videos in our venues. Roving exhibitions have also been held at selected sports centres, parks and cultural venues since January this year," the spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:38
NNNN
