About $70.8 million-worth of upgrades will be conducted at five markets to improve their shopping environment. They are the Sheung Wan, Tsuen Wan, Yeung Uk Road, North Kwai Chung and Wing Fong Street Markets.

Subject to Legislative Council funding approval, the projects will start early next year for completion about 16 months later.

In a LegCo paper submitted today, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department said the five markets were built in the 1980s and 90s and are major retail outlets for fresh food provisions. However, they now fall short of current standards in respect of fire services installation and provision of barrier-free access.

The works include:

* essential improvements to meet building and fire safety requirements; and,

* general improvements, like upgrading ventilation, drainage, lighting and signage, and lime-washing and provision of additional toilets to improve environmental hygiene.