council chat
Ask Debby
District Councillor for Sai Kung Islands, Debby Chan answers your questions
Dumped bicycles - should companies be responsible? Parking shared bikes carelessly can easily be considered as dumping, especially with Hong Kong’s humidity as it rots metal frames quickly. Unfortunately, the user usually takes convenience prior to public interest. I believe that companies do have responsibility to remove and repair broken bikes, yet the government should pursue a bicycle-friendly way for smalls businesses to do their job.
Illegal building There have been concerns about illegal building around the town for many years. I reluctantly have to say that the Lands Department is the least efficient department among all. For existing illegal structures the government has a programme for small house owners to register the illegal structure, however this progress is slow and relies on residents’ complaints only. If you have a complaint please call 1823 to report it. Got a council question for Debby? Email us at editorial@hongkongliving.com
What is on your agenda for November? Since November is the beginning of hiking season, more people are expected to gather around Sai Kung during the weekends. Over the last two months, I have spoken to the Transport Department about illegal parking along Tai Mong Tsai Road as well as the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department about the litter left on the islands. I am interested to see how my feedback has been received and whether we will see any improvement.
Proposed leisure centre The proposed leisure centre will contain a range of sports and social facilities for the community. The site is situated between Mei Yuen Street and Mei Tak Street, which means that the swimming pool, football and tennis courts will be closed during the construction. Moreover, the Sha Ha archeological site is within the boundary, it is unknown if more excavation work will take place. The detailed construction arrangements are yet to be confirmed.
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Biggest accomplishments Over the past nine months, I realised the community’s biggest enemy is bureaucracy. The general public are discouraged to voice their opinion as they often get put off by the long waiting hotline and unanswered emails. My biggest accomplishment has been making residents and stakeholders feel comfortable about sharing their concerns. From my observations most concerns include transport (Hiram’s Highway widening work), environmental conservation (illegal land filling or dumping) and waste management.
Debby Chan Ka Lam is the District Councillor for Sai Kung Islands, striving for a more sustainable community.
