I recently noticed two letters pointing out the incongruity of the ubiquitous slope signposts in Hong Kong.
However, two major points should be raised. First, an enormous amount of money has been wasted on these government icons. As I walked down the one or so kilometres of Beacon Hill Road I observed more than 170 signposts. Along the catchwater opposite to Kowloon Reservoir I lost count after several hundred. Assuming that the manufacturing, painting and installation costs are several thousand dollars for each signpost, then we are talking about figures approaching $1 million for these two places alone.
How much has been spent on these posts over the entire territory? I ask the appropriate government spokesperson to reply.
The second point I contend is that the slopes are totally unnecessary. What are they for? I can only think of two possible reasons. To show which government department has maintenance liability for a given slope? Then, in that case the information could have been stored on a computer database, shared and updated by the architectural services, highways, water supplies and other departments. Why not just click on the logo inserted at the correct location on a map on a videoscreen to get the slope history and any other information required? The map scale could be zoomed in or out. The map could be carried on a small PC or even a notebook computer. If that is not the reason, then are the slope numbers shown so that a landslide location can be reported by the diligent general public? But is it safe to go near to read the slope number? I noted that many signposts fell down in the summer rains, well in advance of any landslides.
So why are these hideous signposts around? What is their purpose? Will the appropriate government spokesperson please reply.
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