Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (February 26):
Question:
Currently, some flushing cisterns have, for the sake of saving water, two different discharge volumes for users to choose according to their needs. In this connection, will the Executive Authorities inform this Council:
(a) whether they will assess the cost effectiveness of such kind of cisterns;
(b) of the neighbouring countries or cities using such kind of cisterns; and
(c) whether they will encourage professionals in the building industry to use such kind of cisterns?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) The Administration is fully aware of the potential benefit of using the dual flush devices (i.e. larger and smaller volumes) to save water. There will also be added benefits of lower pumping costs in buildings and less discharge to sewage treatment works. After making reference to overseas experience, seeking advice from the local plumbing trade and conducting trials with successful results, the Administration decided in 2000 that dual flush devices are suitable for use in Hong Kong although such devices may have a higher capital and maintenance costs.
(b) It is understood that dual flush devices are commonly used in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore.
(c) Having decided that dual flush devices are suitable for use locally, the Administration has informed the Authorised Persons and Licensed Plumbers of this decision in October 2000 through a Circular Letter, which is available at WSD's web site at "www.wsd.gov.hk". This will enable the designers for new building projects to have a wider choice of dual flush devices in addition to the conventional type. When the existing cisterns are to be replaced, the Licensed Plumbers may also advise the owners on the choice of using these devices.
At the same time, the Administration also informed other relevant associations including the Hong Kong Plumbing and Sanitary Ware Trade Association Limited whose member organisations are mainly suppliers of cisterns.
End/Wednesday, February 26, 2003
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