Chief Secretary for Administration inspects tree management works (With photos/video)

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, visited a number of places today (April 20) to inspect the tree planting and management work by various government departments.

Mr Tang first arrived at the Pier No 7 in Central where he was briefed by the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr John Chai, on the completed greening works of the Greening Master Plan for Central.  

He then proceeded to Tai Tam Country Park to see the vegetation management work in country parks.  The Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Leung Siu-fai, explained to Mr Tang the management of vegetation in the country parks, with its emphasis on both nature conservation and forestry management.

Afterwards, Mr Tang was briefed by the Director of Lands, Miss Annie Tam, on tree management on unleased and unallocated government land.

To have an understanding on how to manage wall trees at roadside slopes, Mr Tang went to Moreton Terrace, Tai Hang, where he was briefed by the Deputy Director of Highways, Mr Kevin Luk, on the maintenance of wall trees at roadside slopes to ensure safety to road users and public transport passengers.

The last visit point was Victoria Park.  The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Thomas Chow, briefed the Chief Secretary on management of trees located in leisure facilities with a lot of human activities.  Mr Tang also received a demonstration on the use of sonic tomograph and resistograph for tree inspection.

During today's visit, the Chief Secretary also listened to the views of frontline staff on their daily experience in tree management.

To follow up on the recommendations made by the Coroner's Court jury on the collapse of a coral tree in Stanley, the Chief Executive appointed the Chief Secretary for Administration to lead relevant bureaus and departments to conduct a review on tree management.  A Special Task Force with membership from the Development Bureau, Environment Bureau, Home Affairs Bureau, Transport and Housing Bureau and their respective departments has been set up.  The task force will convene a meeting in the near future and will aim to complete the review by the end of June.

Ends/Monday, April 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:32

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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, visited a number of places to inspect the tree planting and management work by various government departments this afternoon (April 20). Picture shows Mr Tang being briefed on the greening works in Central by the Civil Engineering and Development Department.  Mr Tang is briefed on vegetation management work in country parks by officers of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department at Tai Tam Country Park. Mr Tang listens to a briefing by Highways Department officers on the maintenance of wall trees at roadside slopes at Moreton Terrace, Causeway Bay.  Mr Tang watches tree examination by staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Victoria Park.

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