Police will implement special traffic arrangements on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to facilitate the Pyrotechnics Display to be held on May 1 (Wednesday).

     The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented by phases, until the crowd has dispersed and the roads are safe for re-opening:

A. Road Closure

     The following roads will be closed:

From 6pm onwards (except for vehicles with permit):

Tsim Sha Tsui East
——————

– Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Hung Lok Road;
– Hung Hom Bypass between Metropolis Drive and Salisbury Road;
– Salisbury Road between Cheong Wan Road and Chatham Road South;
– Salisbury Road underpass;
– Hong Wan Path;
– Mody Road outside The Royal Garden Hotel;
– Mody Lane; and
– Mody Square.

From 7.30pm to 8.30pm:

Central District (except for franchised buses)
———————————————-

Phase 1

     Man Kwong Street outside Central Pier No. 7 and 8.

Phase 2

– Eastbound Yiu Sing Street; and
– Eastbound Lung Wo Road between Yiu Sing Street and Lung Hop Street.

Wan Chai
——–

Phase 1

– The slip road leading from eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel to Expo Drive;
– The slip road leading from Lung Wo Road to eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel;
– Expo Drive East outside Golden Bauhinia Square (including pick-up/drop-off areas);
– Expo Drive;
– Expo Drive Central;
– Expo Drive East; and
– Eastbound Lung Wo Road between Lung Hop Street and Fleming Road.

Phase 2

– Marsh Road between Gloucester Road and Hung Hing Road;
– Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road;
– Eastbound Hung Hing Road;
– Wan Shing Street;
– Wan Ying Street; and
– The slip road leading from eastbound Victoria Park Road to Causeway Bay Promenade.

Phase 3

– Westbound Hung Hing Road between Marsh Road and Tonnochy Road;
– Lung Tat Path;
– Northbound Fleming Road between Lung Tat Path and Lung Wo Road; and
– Westbound Lung Wo Road between Fleming Road and westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel portal.

From 7.30pm onwards:

Eastern District
—————-

– Watson Road;
– Glass Street;
– King Ming Road;
– Hing Fat Street to the north of Whitfield Road; and
– Whitfield Road.

B. Traffic diversions

     In connection with the road closure as mentioned above, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:

From 6pm onwards:

– Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Road will be directed to the roundabout at Cheong Tung Road South via Hung Hom Bypass;
– Traffic along eastbound Metropolis Drive cannot turn right to southbound Hung Hom Bypass;
– Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Bypass will be diverted to turn right to westbound Metropolis Drive;
– Traffic along southbound Salisbury Road near Hong Chong Road will be directed to Tsim Sha Tsui East;
– Traffic along westbound Mody Road must make a u-turn to eastbound Mody Road outside Empire Centre;
– Traffic along eastbound Mody Road must make a u-turn to westbound Mody Road outside Tsim Sha Tsui Centre;
– Traffic along southbound Chatham Road South cannot turn left to eastbound Salisbury Road, except for franchised buses;
– Traffic along eastbound Salisbury Road cannot enter Salisbury Road underpass and will be diverted to turn left to northbound Chatham Road South;
– Vehicles exceeding 7 metres in length on southbound Chatham Road South will be diverted to turn right to westbound Salisbury Road;
– Vehicles exceeding 7 metres in length on southbound Science Museum Road will be diverted to turn left to eastbound Salisbury Road; and
– Vehicles exceeding 7 metres in length on northbound Science Museum Road cannot turn left to Mody Road.

From 7.30pm to 8.30pm:

– Traffic along eastbound Lung Wo Road must turn right to Lung Hop Street;
– Traffic along northbound Fleming Road must turn left to Lung Tat Path or make a u-turn to southbound Fleming Road;
– Traffic along northbound Tonnochy Road must turn left to westbound Hung Hing Road;
– Traffic along March Road must turn left to westbound Hung Hing Road or turn right to Hung Hing Road flyover; and
– Traffic along southbound Man Yiu Street cannot turn left to eastbound Yiu Sing Street.

     Mody Road between Chatham Road South and Science Museum Road will be designated as prohibited zone for vehicles exceeding 7 metres in length from 6pm to 10pm.

C. Suspension of parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas

– All on-street parking spaces within the closed road areas in Tsim Sha Tsui will be suspended from 00.01 am to 11pm;
– The non-franchised bus pick-up/drop-off areas on westbound Salisbury Road opposite Wing On Plaza will be suspended from 5pm until the roads are safe for re-opening; and
– All on-street parking spaces within the closed road area at Expo Drive East outside Golden Bauhinia Square and on Hong Kong Island will be suspended from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

D. Suspension of car parks

     Vehicles parked in all car parks within the closed road area in Tsim Sha Tsui cannot enter or leave the carparks from about 5.30pm until the roads are safe for re-opening.

     Vehicles parked in car parks and club houses within the above closed areas in North Point, Wan Chai and Central area will not be permitted to enter or leave the car parks during the road closure period.

     All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.
 
     Actual implementation of traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Members of the public are advised to use public transport to go to the above areas. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (April 30) released the findings of its food safety report for last month. The results of about 4 500 food samples tested were found to be satisfactory except for 18 unsatisfactory samples which were announced earlier. The overall satisfactory rate was 99.6 per cent.

     A CFS spokesman said about 1 000 food samples were collected for microbiological tests, and about 3 500 samples were taken for chemical and radiation level tests.

     The microbiological tests covered pathogens and hygiene indicators; the chemical tests included testing for pesticides, preservatives, metallic contaminants, colouring matters, veterinary drug residues and others; and the radiation level tests included testing for radioactive caesium and iodine in samples collected from imported food from different regions.

     The samples comprised about 1 600 samples of vegetables and fruit and their products; about 300 samples of cereals, grains and their products; about 600 samples of meat and poultry and their products; about 700 samples of milk, milk products and frozen confections; about 500 samples of aquatic and related products; and about 800 samples of other food commodities (including beverages, bakery products and snacks).

     The 18 unsatisfactory samples comprised two taro samples with excessive metallic contaminant, one prepackaged mushroom powder sample found with a pesticide, ethylene oxide, and 15 samples of three kinds of frozen confections, one of which was found to contain coliform bacteria exceeding the legal limit, while the other 14 samples were detected with coliform bacteria and total bacterial counts exceeding the legal limits.

     The CFS has announced the test results of the unsatisfactory samples and conducted follow-up actions, including informing the vendors concerned of the test results, instructing them to stop selling the affected food items, tracing the sources of the food items in question, marking and sealing the affected products at import level, and temporarily suspending the permission to import for sale of the products concerned granted to the importers.

     The spokesman reminded the food trade to ensure that food is fit for human consumption and meets legal requirements. Consumers should patronise reliable shops when buying food and maintain a balanced diet to minimise food risks.

     Separately, as the Japanese Government has commenced the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the CFS will continue enhancing the testing on imported Japanese food, and make reference to the risk assessment results to adjust relevant surveillance work in a timely manner. The CSF will announce every working day on its dedicated webpage (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/daily_japan_nuclear_incidents.html) the radiological test results of the samples of food imported from Japan, with a view to enabling the trade and members of the public to have a better grasp of the latest safety information.

     A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (April 30) that the department has installed more solar cooling kiosks, equipped with solar-powered facilities, at resting facilities in rural areas this year for the convenience of cleansing workers. The spokesman said that it is an improvement measure following the comprehensive review of the working environment of frontline cleansing workers in urban and rural areas last year to take care of the needs of its workers. Other measures implemented last year include provisions for drinking water, places for short breaks, water for cleansing tools, and toilet facilities.

     The spokesman said, "There are some 900 village-type refuse collection points (RCPs)/RCPs with temporary structures under the FEHD, and most of them are located in rural areas and are unable to provide these convenience facilities within the RCPs due to geographical constraints. Despite the fact that no personnel were deployed to be stationed at the RCPs, the department continues to review arrangements and ensure that cleansing workers at work nearby can access drinking water, places for short breaks during hot weather, water for cleansing tools, and toilet facilities in their work zones or within a few minutes' walk. In addition to the provision of 35 rest facilities in rural areas, the FEHD has installed 60 solar cooling kiosks to further improve the resting environment for rural workers. These kiosks are equipped with solar-powered facilities including air coolers, electric fans and exhaust fans. Furthermore, similar solar-powered facilities have been added to 15 resting facilities in rural areas for cleansing workers. The FEHD will continue to identify more suitable locations to provide resting facilities for workers."

     In fact, the FEHD has always been concerned about the working environment and welfare of frontline workers, and makes appropriate arrangements based on the operational needs of RCPs. Since 2020, in collaboration with the Architectural Services Department, the FEHD has proactively refurbished RCPs. Out of the 49 covered by the scheme, the facelifting or refurbishment works of 17 permanent off-street RCPs have been completed, with works for three more either commenced or set to begin this year. Detailed designs are underway for 22 RCPs, and the remaining seven RCPs are under initial planning. In newly built or refurbished RCPs, the FEHD will provide staff with changing and personal storage spaces, facilities for short breaks and meals, as well as amenities such as cold and hot water dispensers, microwave ovens, electric steamers, refrigerators, electric fans, tables and chairs and power sockets to facilitate staff use. Air conditioning systems will also be installed in the staff dining rooms where feasible. During the improvement works, the FEHD will arrange relevant cleansing workers to use nearby welfare facilities or be redeployed to other RCPs.

     Currently, all street cleansing service contract workers and cleansing workers of the department are provided with new uniforms featuring sweat-wicking, breathable, and reflective properties. Portable waist fans have been distributed to all outdoor cleansing workers of the department, aiding in cooling during hot weather. Since 2022, the FEHD has added a new contract clause when tendering service contracts, requiring contractors to provide portable waist fans to outdoor working staff.

     Following the Labour Department's issuance of Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work last year, the FEHD conducted assessments for departmental staff in accordance with the criteria provided in the Guidance Notes and requested contractors to do the same. Each assessed staff member has received written notification of the results, which have also been put up at roll-call points in various districts so that staff can be aware of the results. When the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in effect, the FEHD and its contractors must arrange rest breaks for employees based on the adjusted hourly rest time listed on the assessment forms.

     Moreover, since April 1, 2019, the Government has implemented a series of measures to better safeguard the remuneration of outsourced non-skilled workers. After a further review in May 2023, the Government introduced enhancement measures relating to the employment of non-skilled workers under government service contracts. Regarding the FEHD's cleansing service contracts, after the inclusion of relevant measures in tender documents, the proposed committed monthly wage of non-skilled workers offered by tenderers have significantly increased. As at March this year, the current average committed monthly wage of a cleansing worker is 45 per cent higher than the monthly wage of $9,920 calculated based on the latest statutory minimum wage.

     These enhancement measures have also strengthened the protection of occupational safety and health of non-skilled workers. Tenderers must submit a certified heat stroke prevention work plan, failing which the tender will not be considered. To ensure effective implementation of the work plan, the Government has expanded the demerit point system to cover non-compliances with the heat stroke prevention work plan for the protection of non-skilled workers. FEHD staff will conduct inspections to ensure that contractors have complied with the work plan. If a contractor fails to implement the measures committed in the work plan, the FEHD could issue a notice of blatant default to the contractor, deduct its monthly service payments and record demerit points under the demerit point system. Contractors accruing three demerit points over a rolling period of 36 months will be debarred from bidding for government non-skilled worker contracts for five years.

    

     The Government today (April 30) announced the appointment of the Chairman and three new members, as well as the reappointment of two serving members to the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) for a term of three years with effect from June 1, 2024.

     Mr Fred Lam Tin-fuk is appointed as the AA Chairman. The three newly appointed members are Dr Dorothy Chan Yuen Tak-fai, Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi and Mr Perry Yiu Pak-leung. The two reappointed members are Ms Sabrina Chao Sih-ming and Mr Edwin Tong Ka-hung.

     Mr Jack So Chak-kwong has served as the AA Chairman since June 2015. The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Mr So's contribution in leading the AA in the past nine years and commended him for his unwavering commitment. Under Mr So's leadership, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) saw steady growth over the years and achieved a number of important milestones. In particular, Mr So played a pivotal role in such major areas as the planning and construction of the Three-Runway System, development of Airport City, expansion of intermodal transport networks and enhancement of air services. During his tenure, HKIA won widespread recognition and remained as a world leader in both passenger and cargo transport. With his vision and foresight, Mr So led the AA to break new ground and pursue innovation, with a view to promoting the sustainable development of HKIA and consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub.

     Mr Lam Sai-hung also extended a warm welcome to Mr Fred Lam, who will assume office as the AA Chairman with effect from June 1, 2024. Mr Fred Lam has been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AA since 2014, and is conversant with the business of the AAHK and HKIA. He has also been appointed to various government advisory and statutory bodies, and has extensive experience in public services. Mr Lam Sai-hung looks forward to working closely with Mr Fred Lam to continue pressing ahead with the long-term development of HKIA by leveraging the opportunities arising from the completion of the Three-Runway System and the Airport City development, and to actively launch external publicity and explore business opportunities, thereby further enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub. Mr Fred Lam will depart from the post of CEO of the AA as he takes up the AA chairmanship.

     In addition, Mr Adrian Wong Koon-man will be leaving the AA on June 1, 2024. Mr Lam Sai-hung thanked Mr Wong for his valuable contributions to the AA and the development of HKIA.

     Under the Airport Authority Ordinance, the Chairman and members of the AA are appointed by the Chief Executive. The appointments will be published in the Government Gazette on May 3.

     The following is the full membership of the AA with effect from June 1, 2024:
 
Chairman:
————
Mr Fred Lam Tin-fuk
 
Members:
————
Dr Dorothy Chan Yuen Tak-fai
Ms Sabrina Chao Sih-ming
Mr Rock Chen Chung-nin
Mr Philip Chen Nan-lok
Ms Irene Chow Man-ling
Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi
Mr Laurence Li Lu-jen, SC
Dr Lo Wai-kwok
Mr Edwin Tong Ka-hung
Dr William Wong Ming-fung, SC
Mr Stephen Yiu Kin-wah
Mr Perry Yiu Pak-leung
Secretary for Transport and Logistics
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury
Director-General of Civil Aviation
Chief Executive Officer, Airport Authority (ex officio)

     â€‹The Summer Music Workshops organised by the Music Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will be held in July and August. The workshops, designed for children and youth aged 4 to 15 without any musical training, aim to encourage them to make good use of their summer vacation, acquire music knowledge and cultivate their interests in music. The first phase of application is now open and will close on May 27. 

     â€‹Designed for children aged 4 to 6, the "Parent-child Jolly Music Time" workshop will enable students to learn basic music knowledge including note values, music notation and rhythms, and develop their listening skills and sense of rhythm through interactive music lessons. The "Musical Instrument Kaleidoscope" workshop for children aged 6 to 9 will allow participants to learn about the appearance, tone colours and characteristics of various Chinese and Western instruments through demonstrations by the Music Office instructors and get them prepared for future music classes. Participants of both workshops must be accompanied by adults. The tuition fees of the two workshops are $360 and $210 respectively.

     â€‹In addition, dedicated to children aged 5 to 12, the "Kingdom of Music Terminology" workshop features the use of masterpieces from famous composers as examples to enrich participants' knowledge of common musical terms and enhance their music appreciation ability. Participants aged 5 to 8 must be accompanied by adults. The tuition fee of the workshop is $290. 

     â€‹Another workshop, "iJam Music-making", is open for youngsters aged 10 to 15 at a tuition fee of $430. Participants should bring their own iPad and pre-install the music app GarageBand to experience the fun of music-making through tablet music software.

     â€‹All of the above-mentioned workshops will be conducted in Cantonese. A ballot will be held if the classes are oversubscribed. For classes not fully taken up after the first phase of application, in-person applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis from July 3. Participants achieving an attendance rate of 80 per cent will be awarded a certificate of attendance.
 
     â€‹Interested persons can visit the Music Office website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/mo/activities/schoolprogrammes/summer_music_workshop.html) for online applications. For enquiries, please call 2158 6466 or 3842 7776.