I refer to the letter headlined, 'Market must be cleaned up' (South China Morning Post, April 11).
Yeung Uk Road Market is the busiest market in Tsuen Wan District. There are altogether 334 stalls selling various kinds of market commodities.
To enhance the market viability, the stall operators are allowed to display their goods on the passageways in front of their stalls demarcated by a yellow line. However, sufficient space in the passageways is maintained to ensure a smooth flow of market-goers even during peak business hours of the market. Advice and prosecution action are taken if unauthorised obstructions are found. A total of 63 summonses have been taken out in the past four months, against those stall operators who have caused irregularities.
The cleaning services in the market are provided by a private cleaning contractor and are closely monitored by departmental staff. The workforce deployed by the contractor has been doubled since January 12.
Sweeping of the market floors is done four to six times a day and removal of refuse from the market on a daily basis. Our regular inspections reveal that the general condition of the market is satisfactory and no accumulation of rubbish has been found. Nevertheless, the contractor has been advised to pay particular attention to the passageways and stairs near the fruit and vegetable section.
Staff of this department will continue to monitor the situation closely.
