Site inspection: Chief Executive Donald Tsang and Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau get an aerial view of the ash lagoons in Tsang Tsui and the Shek Kwu Chau Island.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the Government fully understands community sentiment on the proposed Integrated Waste Management Facilities, adding it will ensure they are modern, clean and meet the highest international standards.

Inspecting the West New Territories Landfill in Tuen Mun today Mr Tsang was briefed on the progress of various waste management initiatives.

He said he was impressed by the design and engineering of the landfill, which can accept 6,300 tonnes of waste daily. He said Hong Kong faced an imminent waste management problem as its three strategic landfills will be full in four to eight years.

Top agenda

"Our top priority is to reduce and recycle waste as much as possible. Nevertheless, using only landfills as the final disposal method for municipal solid waste in Hong Kong is not a sustainable solution," he said.

"We need to extend the landfills and develop new waste facilities such as Integrated Waste Management Facilities and a sludge treatment facility."

Mr Tsang had an aerial view of the ash lagoons in Tsang Tsui and the Shek Kwu Chau Island which are the two potential sites for the development of Integrated Waste Management Facilities. Tsang Tsui is also earmarked for the extension of the West New Territories Landfill and the sludge treatment facility.

Safe facilities

"The Government fully understands the community sentiments on the proposed facilities and will continue to engage closely with the respective District Councils and local residents," Mr Tsang said.