After the lift incident at Paris Court of Sheungshui Town Centre on May 11, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) requested all registered lift contractors who are responsible for the maintenance of the same brand of lift as the one in the incident to complete a special inspection within two weeks, and the EMSD will also carry out sample checks. The EMSD today (May 25) announced the result of the special inspection.

     Except for the lift involved in the incident which is still under service suspension, the special inspection covering the traction systems, suspension ropes and braking systems of the 91 lifts of the same brand in Hong Kong is now complete. No unsafe situation of the lifts has been found in the special inspection.

     The in-depth investigation carried out by the EMSD on the lift incident at Paris Court of Sheungshui Town Centre is expected to complete by early August. The EMSD will strictly enforce the law if contravention of the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance has been identified in the investigation.

     The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft Kai Tak Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

     "The approved OZP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide development and redevelopment within the Kai Tak area," a spokesman for the Town Planning Board said today (May 25).

     The planning scheme area of about 323 hectares covers the North Apron Area, South Apron Area and Runway Area of the ex-Kai Tak Airport site, Ma Tau Kok waterfront, Kwun Tong waterfront, Cha Kwo Ling waterfront, Kai Tak Approach Channel, To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter and Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter. The Kai Tak site is proposed to be developed as the "Heritage, Green, Sports and Tourism Hub of Hong Kong".

     About 41.91 hectares of land, including seven sites zoned "Residential (Group A)" and 26 sites zoned "Residential (Group B)", have been reserved for residential developments. These include an existing private residential development at the To Kwa Wan waterfront and the public housing developments of Kai Ching Estate, Tak Long Estate and Kai Long Court at the eastern side of Kai Tak City Centre and medium-density residential developments in Kai Tak City Centre and the Runway Area.

     About 16.22 hectares of land, involving 13 sites located in Kai Tak City Centre (near the future Shatin to Central Link Kai Tak Station and Sung Wong Toi Station), the South Apron Area and the Runway Area, are zoned "Commercial" and intended primarily for commercial developments including uses such as office, shop, services, place of entertainment, eating place and hotel.

     About 9.62 hectares of land are zoned "Comprehensive Development Area" (CDA) and intended for comprehensive development/redevelopment for commercial and/or residential uses. Three CDA sites are abutting the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge Preservation Corridor, two are adjacent to Kai Tak River and one is located at the Ma Tau Kok waterfront.

     About 37 hectares of land are zoned "Government, Institution or Community" and intended to provide land for government, institution and community facilities to serve the needs of local residents and the wider community. This zoning covers a wide range of government, educational, medical, social welfare, community/cultural, sports and recreational and utility facilities.

    ​About 98.18 hectares of land are zoned "Open Space", which includes the Sung Wong Toi Park, Heritage Park, Metro Park, Runway Park, open spaces near the Station Square and Kai Tak Sports Park and other district/local open spaces as well as the waterfront promenades.

     About 53.81 hectares of land are zoned "Other Specified Uses" and intended for specific developments. These include the cruise terminal, Kai Tak Sports Park, railway station with commercial facilities, waterfront and tourism related uses, heliport, and landscaped elevated walkways. The rest of the area of about 66.46 hectares is reserved for major roads and other uses.

     The approved Kai Tak OZP No. S/K22/6 is now available for public inspection during office hours at the Secretariat of the Board, the Planning Enquiry Counters of the Planning  Department in North Point and Sha Tin, the Kowloon District Planning Office, and the Kowloon City, Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong district offices.

     Copies of the approved OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centres in North Point and Yau Ma Tei. The electronic version of the plan can be viewed at the Board’s website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb).

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 25) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
 
     From May 18 to 24, the CHP recorded one confirmed DF case and the patient had been to Thailand during the incubation period.  
 
     As of yesterday (May 24), 22 cases had been confirmed this year, all of which were imported cases. The cases were mainly imported from Thailand (nine), the Philippines (six), Cambodia (two) and Vietnam (two).
 
     DF remains endemic in some areas in Asia. The latest figures for 2018 reveal that 11 704 cases have been recorded in Thailand, 1 043 in Singapore (since December 31, 2017) and 35 in Japan.
 
     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

 
     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (DF) or at least 21 days (Zika virus infection) upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a concentration of DEET of up to 30 per cent.

     The public may refer to the CHP's tips for using insect repellents for details.

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Friday, May 25, 2018 is 99.6 (same as yesterday's index).

     Super Dragon Management Limited was prosecuted by the Labour Department (LD) for failing to pay an employee's wages, totalling $108,000, within seven days after the expiry of the wage period as required by the Employment Ordinance (EO). The employer was fined $60,000 after pleading guilty at Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (May 25).

     "The ruling helps disseminate a strong message to all employers that they have to pay the wages to employees within the time limit stipulated in the EO," an LD spokesman said.

     "The LD will not tolerate these offences and will continue to make dedicated efforts in enforcing the EO and safeguarding employees' statutory rights," the spokesman added.