Author Archives: hksar gov

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Friday, February 15, 2019 is 103.9 (up 0.1 against yesterday’s index). read more

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (February 15) released the latest grading of water quality for four gazetted beaches which are open all year round for swimming.

     Four beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1).

Grade 1 beaches are:
 

Clear Water Bay Second Beach
Golden Beach
Repulse Bay Beach
Silverstrand Beach

     Compared with the grading released last week, there was no change in the grading for these beaches.

     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.

     While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, an EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.

     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the department’s website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666. read more

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (February 15) released the test results of a targeted food surveillance project on the use of sulphur dioxide in meat. Among some 600 samples tested, except for seven samples found to contain sulphur dioxide, a non-permitted preservative in fresh meat, which were announced earlier, all the remaining samples passed the test. The overall satisfactory rate was 98.8 per cent.
 
     “In view of detection of the preservative in fresh meat samples in the past, the CFS has conducted targeted surveillance projects regularly on the use of the chemical in meat in recent years. Samples of beef, pork and mutton were collected from fresh provision shops, supermarkets, market meat stalls and online retailers for testing. The sampling locations also included meat shops and stalls which had previous records of selling meat containing sulphur dioxide,” a spokesman for the CFS said.
 
     Sulphur dioxide is a commonly used preservative in a variety of foods including dried fruits, pickled vegetables and meat products such as sausages and grilled burgers. However, under the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap 132BD), it is not permitted in fresh or chilled meat. Nonetheless, individual meat traders have been found illegally using sulphur dioxide to make meat look fresher. Sulphur dioxide is of low toxicity. As it is water-soluble, most of it can be removed through washing and cooking. However, susceptible individuals who are allergic to sulphur dioxide may experience breathing difficulty, headache and nausea.
 
     Under the Regulation, the maximum penalty upon conviction of using sulphur dioxide in fresh or chilled meat is a fine of $50,000 and six months’ imprisonment.
 
     The spokesman reminded the food trade to comply with the law and not to sell fresh or chilled meat containing sulphur dioxide. Members of the public should purchase food from reliable market stalls or fresh provision shops, and avoid buying or consuming meat which is unnaturally red. read more

     â€‹The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) today (February 15) invited tenders for the contract for Site Formation and Infrastructure Works at Wang Chau, Yuen Long – Contract 1.
 
     The works mainly comprise:

* formation of land and construction of associated retaining walls and slopes;
* construction of a new single two-lane carriageway with a connected underpass, footpath and pick-up/drop off areas;
* improvement works at the junction of Long Ping Road and Fung Chi Road; and
* ancillary works including drainage, sewerage, waterworks and landscaping works.
 
     The works are scheduled to commence in July 2019 and will take about 34 months to complete.
 
     The CEDD has commissioned Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd to design and supervise the works. Interested contractors may obtain the forms of tender and further particulars from the company on Level 5, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, or call the company at 2268 3560 during office hours.

     The invitation to tender was gazetted today. The closing time for the tender is noon on April 12, 2019.

     Details of the tender notice are available at the CEDD’s website (www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/tender/contract/tender/index.html#CV/2017/07). read more

     â€‹The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) today (February 15) invited tenders for the contract for Site Formation and Infrastructure Works at Wang Chau, Yuen Long – Contract 1.
 
     The works mainly comprise:

* formation of land and construction of associated retaining walls and slopes;
* construction of a new single two-lane carriageway with a connected underpass, footpath and pick-up/drop off areas;
* improvement works at the junction of Long Ping Road and Fung Chi Road; and
* ancillary works including drainage, sewerage, waterworks and landscaping works.
 
     The works are scheduled to commence in June 2019 and will take about 34 months to complete.
 
     The CEDD has commissioned Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd to design and supervise the works. Interested contractors may obtain the forms of tender and further particulars from the company on Level 5, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, or call the company at 2268 3560 during office hours.

     The invitation to tender was gazetted today. The closing time for the tender is noon on April 12, 2019.

     Details of the tender notice are available at the CEDD’s website (www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/tender/contract/tender/index.html#CV/2017/07). read more