HONG Kong is a city of many facets, including noise pollution and unexplained phenomena; one such phenomenon is the Highways Department's sudden digging up of a stretch of pavement in Wai Tsui Crescent, Braemar Hill, opposite the new, recently-completed Shue Yan College extension, which is due to open shortly. Many residents and non-residents alike, walk on this pavement daily and I can vouch for the fact that it was in perfect walking order until Saturday last, when the residents awoke to the unsavoury sound of a pneumatic drill. This sound came hot on the heels of 21/2 years of inordinately loud building noise, created by the construction of the college extension. Not only did this noise prevail all day Saturday (which is legal in Hong Kong up to 7pm), but on Sunday morning, the residents were once more woken by another exceptionally loud noise emanating from the same construction. Construction noise is not allowed on a Sunday unless a permit has been issued. The police were called (by several residents I am told) and they duly came, saw and stopped the cacophony. One has to say with gratitude that the police have always been excellent and highly efficient in dealing with many similar incidents in this area and for this they have the grateful thanks of the residents. However, would someone from the Highways Department like to explain to us why on earth is a team of workers digging up a pavement which - as residents will testify - is in excellent order? Is it a cosmetic operation for the forthcoming opening of the college extension? Whatever the reason, can someone please justify the use of the public's money? BILL ABBOTT Braemar Hill
