Water conservation an important issue for Hong Kong citizens
There have been many news reports about the water shortages affecting the mainland. The shortages have been caused by global warming and abrupt changes in climate.
China is not alone, as countries elsewhere in the region and other parts of the world are struggling to deal with their own droughts. This is forcing people to rethink the importance of water conservation, and this issue also affects Hong Kong.
I think a lot of the problems relating to wasting water are caused by people's bad habits, and this is down to a lack of education.
Even though in schools teachers are now promoting the message of conservation, water usage per person has actually increased. Daily water usage per person is higher in Hong Kong than other places in the developed world.
Just asking people to exercise self-discipline is not working and more must be done.
Some economists have proposed an increase in water charges. This would encourage people to use less water, but it might not be appropriate given that, in Hong Kong and on the mainland, the gap between rich and poor is growing. If there is a steep rise in water charges, people on low incomes might not be able to afford to meet their most basic water requirements.
It would appear as if the poor were being punished when we should be aiming for a level playing field.
It is up to the government to take the necessary initiatives. It should subsidise the use of water-saving devices such as shower timers and valves that enable waste water to be diverted.
Some of these devices can enable Hongkongers to reduce their consumption rate. For example, waste water [from the shower] can be used again for irrigation or cleaning the floor. If this kind of technology was used in people's homes, it would benefit individuals from all social classes in Hong Kong.
Orwell Lai Kai-yan, Tai Po
