Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ11: Conversion of aqua privies into flushing toilets

Following is a question by the Hon Lau Wong-fat and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (April 26):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the existing number of aqua privies (APs) and their geographical distribution;

(b) of the basis for determining the priority of various APs in the works for conversion into flushing toilets; and

(c) whether it has any plans to convert all APs into flushing toilets; if so, of the timetable for the conversion works and the costs involved?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) As at the end of March 2006, the number of aqua privies managed by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) are 510 and 52 respectively. Their distribution is shown in the Table.

(b) FEHD and Architectural Services Department have been jointly studying the feasibility of converting some suitable APs into flushing toilets and implementing the conversion works. In identifying the APs for inclusion in the conversion programme, FEHD would accord priority to APs with higher usage rate or located at popular scenic and tourist spots.

(c) As recommended by the then "Team Clean", FEHD has identified 100 APs located at popular scenic and tourist spots or with higher usage rate for early conversion into flushing toilets since early 2005. The conversion works, estimated to cost around $92.8 million, are being implemented by phases. So far, 16 APs have been converted into flushing toilets and the conversion works for the remaining 14 APs and 70 APs is expected to be completed in batches by the end of 2006 and the end of 2007 respectively. Moreover, FEHD is actively planning for the inclusion of another 30 APs into the next conversion programme. The works schedule and construction period may be affected by various factors, such as locations of the APs, works constraints, technical difficulties and the views of the District Council and the residents in the vicinity. The authorities concerned will closely monitor the progress of the works.

The remaining 300 or so APs managed by FEHD and the 52 APs in country parks under AFCD's purview are sited in remote locations, have lower usage rate and lack public sewerage. Some even lack electricity and water supply. Therefore, there is currently no plan to convert them into flushing toilets. However, we will consider the feasibility of converting some suitable APs into flushing toilets as and when connection to the public sewerage becomes available and will institute appropriate measures to ensure the hygiene of these APs. General improvement works, such as installation of mosquito traps and improvement of squatting holes design, will also be carried out in certain APs not included in the conversion programmes. Provision of pedestal toilets on a trial basis will also be considered to meet public demand. The AFCD would also increase the frequency of cleansing services for APs in country parks, improve their ventilation and lighting to ensure the hygiene and cleanliness of APs.


Ends/Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:11

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Attachment:
Table to LCQ11