The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (May 24) released the latest grading of water quality for 38 gazetted beaches that are open for swimming and one non-gazetted beach (i.e. Discovery Bay*).   
        
     Nineteen beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1), 15 as Fair (Grade 2) and five as Poor (Grade 3).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:        

 
Grade 2 beaches are:

 
Grade 3 beaches are:

 
*Discovery Bay is a non-gazetted beach without lifeguard service.
 
     Compared with the grading released last week, Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach, Chung Hom Kok Beach, Trio Beach and Turtle Cove Beach have been upgraded from Grade 2 to Grade 1. Deep Water Bay Beach and Middle Bay Beach have been changed from Grade 1 to Grade 2; Big Wave Bay Beach, Butterfly Beach and Silver Mine Bay Beach from Grade 2 to Grade 3.  
     
     "The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beaches," an EPD spokesman said.
      
     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.
      
     While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, the EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.
      
     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend.  The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the department's website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.

     The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, spent the last day of his visit in Singapore today (May 24) by meeting with local officials and representatives from relevant organisations.

     Mr Wong first called at the Singapore LNG Corporation, where he was briefed by its staff and officials of the Singapore Energy Market Authority on the development and services of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Singapore. Afterwards, he departed for the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Academy to learn about its work in promoting green buildings. He also visited the Housing and Development Board to find out about their sustainable initiatives, such as to promote the application of renewable energy.

     In the afternoon, Mr Wong held a bilateral meeting with the Minister for National Development, Mr Lawrence Wong, to discuss matters of mutual concern. He then concluded his visit in Singapore and will return to Hong Kong tonight.

        

     â€‹The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, today (May 24) visited the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan in Tokyo and met with the State Minister, Ms Keiko Nagaoka, to introduce Hong Kong's latest developments in the areas of culture and sports development. He also invited senior officials from the ministry to attend the Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum, which will be held in Hong Kong later this year.
 
     Mr Lau also met with the Chief Operating Officer of the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Mr Yukihiko Nunomura, to learn more about preparations for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games next year. In addition, he visited the Japan Sport Council, the Japan Institute of Sports Sciences and the Japan Foundation.
 
     Tonight, Mr Lau will attend the "Eco-Huqin Sextet Tokyo (Osaka) Concert with the HKCO Huqin Principals" by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra at Tokyo Oji Hall. Tomorrow morning (May 25) he will visit local museums, and will depart for Hong Kong in the afternoon.

            

The following is issued on behalf of the Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project:

     The Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project will commence its substantive hearing next Monday (May 27) at the hearing room on the first floor of the former Tsuen Wan Law Courts Building, 70 Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories.

     The substantive hearing shall, subject to any adjournments that the Commission may consider necessary from time to time, continue until June 19.

     Unless otherwise directed by the Commission, the substantive hearing will be held from 10am to 1pm and from 2.30pm to 5pm on weekdays. The Commission may consider holding the substantive hearing on Saturdays during the said period if necessary.

     At the substantive hearing, the Commission will take factual evidence for the inquiry in relation to the expanded part of its terms of reference.

     The substantive hearing will be open to the public and live video/audio broadcast of the proceedings will be provided at the hearing transmission gallery and the hall area next to the hearing room. No photography or audio/video recording is allowed inside the hearing room, hearing transmission galley, hall area and other areas within the Courts Building.

     The Town Planning Board today (May 24) announced amendments to the approved Wang Tau Hom and Tung Tau Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

     The amendments mainly involve the rezoning of Mei Tung Estate from "Residential (Group A)" ("R(A)") to "R(A)1" with revisions to the building height restrictions to facilitate the public housing redevelopment; and other technical amendments to reflect the as-built conditions. Opportunity is also taken to amend the Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP to reflect the above amendments and to update the general information of various land use zonings, where appropriate.

     The draft Wang Tau Hom and Tung Tau OZP No. S/K8/22, incorporating the amendments, is now available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Kowloon District Planning Office, and (iv) the Wong Tai Sin District Office. 

     Any person may make written representations in respect of the amendments to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board on or before July 24. Any person who intends to make representation is advised to read the revised Town Planning Board Guidelines No. 29B on "Submission and Publication of Representations, Comments on Representations and Further Representations under the Town Planning Ordinance" (TPB PG-No.29B) promulgated in November 2018 and taking effect in 2019. Submission of representation should comply with the requirements set out in TPB PG-No.29B. The Guidelines and the submission form are available at locations (i) and (ii) above and the Board's website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb).

     Copies of the draft Wang Tau Hom and Tung Tau 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 Town Planning Board's website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb).