Secretary for Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme Stage 2 should go ahead without delay.

Speaking on two radio talkshows this morning, Dr Liao said the Government proposes that Stage 2 should be implemented in two phases, with Stage 2A being completed at the earliest possible time. She said Stage 2A is less controversial than Stage 2B because the sewage charge increase involved is smaller and the land and technology required for the work is ready.

Noting Stage 2B is a more complicated project, Dr Liao said the Government and experts need more time to study it. Sewage charges will rise about 30% if Stage 2A is implemented while Stage 2B may see a rise of 100%, she said.

Understanding restaurants owners' concern over the charges, the Government is looking for a fair and convenient way to calculate the degree of pollution made by the trade. It will also consider simplifying appeal procedures.

Polluter-pays principle the right direction

Dr Liao said she strongly believes in the polluter-pays principle.

"Environmental protection policy involves the right allocation of resources. All acts of pollution carry a cost, whether they are to be borne by polluters or by the society as a whole," she said, adding Hong Kong is unique among leading economies in not having any sort of waste disposal charges.

"The result is that everyday, taxpayers contribute more than $2 million to subsidise waste producers, and about 40% of the waste that the waste producers generate is construction waste."

Experience overseas has shown disposal charging is a very effective way to reduce waste, and Dr Liao expects the implementation of a construction and demolition disposal charge in Hong Kong will lead to a reduction of this waste.

The Waste Disposal (Amendment) (No 2) Bill 2003 is scheduled for second reading debate and third reading in the Legislative Council next week. If passed, the Government plans to implement the construction waste disposal charging scheme, which is in line with the polluter-pays principle, next year.