 |
|
|
|
|
Green Space Creation
Greening the living environment for our residents has always been one of
our key objectives in developing healthy and sustainable housing. We create
green space within our "concrete jungle" city through open area
provision in our estates for various landscape elements such as trees planting,
landscape displays and theme gardens.
In 2003 / 04, we planted about 10 000 trees, 841 500 shrubs and 96 800 annual
plants to provide more "city lungs". Of this planting, about 331 000 and 617 200 plants were allocated respectively to new and existing estates.
Through our landscape improvement we also upgraded the standard of existing
landscape facilities in 18 selected estates covering 110 000 square metres
and we greened a total of 6 000 square metres within 24 existing estates
selected by the Estate Management Advisory Committee. While the planting
works are very similar to last year's performance, year-on-year the ratio
of trees planted (including slope areas) to flats built increased significantly
from 1.7 to 6.8 trees per 15 flats.
|
 |
| |
The aesthetic appearance of the city lungs is equally
important. Our experienced Horticulture Team designs, establishes and maintains
landscape displays and theme gardens throughout our estates. In 2003 / 04,
we established three theme gardens featuring rhododendron, bamboo and palm
trees in three estates. To highlight our performance in landscape display,
we are pleased to report that we won the Champion Award for Design Excellence
in the Hong Kong Flower Show 2004.
|
|
Slope Enhancement
There are a considerable number of slopes within our estates. Some slopes
are covered with shotcrete or other forms of hard surfacing, giving a rather
hard appearance. Since 2000, we have been implementing enhanced design procedures
to improve the appearance of newly formed and existing slopes in our estates.
Through various techniques such as hydro-seeding,
planting and colour treatment, a total of 9 600 square metres of newly
formed slopes and 10 existing slopes were greened in 2003 / 04.
Through the innovative design for one of our slope
stabilization projects in Tung Tau Cottage Area, we were able to successfully
retain the existing mature trees. While stabilizing the slope, we were able
to provide open space for amenity use and reduce the extent of excavation
and temporary shoring, thereby minimizing environmental impacts associated
with the works.
|
| |
|
|
Landscape
Studies
In addition to our ongoing greening programme, we reviewed the technical
guide aiming at enhancing the greening measures in our estate master plans.
As a result, we intend to issue a revised External Work Design Guide incorporating
a series of initiatives to maximize greening opportunities in August 2004.
The Housing Authority (HA) has been developing innovative
landscape designs that integrate with the existing landform and natural
features. One outstanding example that combines innovative design with slope
protection can be found on the slope beside Lung Tak Court, at the heart
of Ma Hang Estate. The retaining wall design, with the shape and
form of a 69-metre long dragon zigzagging along the slope, led to the Champion
Award at the Best Landscaped Slope Awards organized by the Civil Engineering
and Development Department, the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects
and some other related professional bodies.
|
|
|
Partnerships
in Landscaping
We joined hands with other government departments,
green groups, business partners and our residents to organize and participate
in a wide variety of landscaping activities including landscape improvement
work, tree planting events, landscape award schemes and flower shows.
This year's HA Flower Show was held on the podium of the Lok Fu Shopping
Centre. Nearly 30 000 plants were on display.
We have organized tree planting days in five of our estates. These concerted
efforts not only contributed to the overall greening of Hong Kong's urban
landscape, but also raise awareness of the community at large on greening
and environmental conservation.
Our greening events for the year ended with the Hong Kong Tree Planting
Day held in Tung Chung on 28 March 2004. Thousands of people, including
more than 450 tenants and students from nearby Fu Tung and Yat Tung Estates
and members of the Housing Department's senior management were present to
support the event.
|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
