Q Are Hong Kong's road signs clear enough? A discussion on road signs should really be obsolete in this age. Electronic road guidance systems are available in practically every developed country, with live satellite feeds giving out information on traffic flows. Previous arguments by the administration that it cannot be done in Hong Kong because of high-rise buildings are no longer valid, as even New York has overcome this problem. Does this mean the 'centre of technology' is incapable of utilising technology developed and implemented by other countries quite a while ago? Name and address supplied Q Should the Sai Kung waterfront be turned into a pedestrian area? The saga of the waterfront pedestrian area is becoming ever more curious. First, there were allegations of triad-run valet parking. Shortly thereafter came accusations of waterfront restaurants operating illegal seating areas and obstructing the police from their duties; of a cartel of restaurants monopolising parking facilities, thus driving away customers from other premises and, finally, of some council members turning a blind eye to these 'criminal activities', as well as a perceived domination of the area by minibus companies, because these members have a vested interest in the companies concerned. Perhaps these allegations and accusations would be more credible were they supported by proven facts rather than hearsay. What is going on in Sai Kung? Is it a den of iniquity, or is the seemingly innocuous question about waterfront development and continuing debate in the press merely a smokescreen to camouflage a simmering feud between rival interests? Or has the full story yet to be revealed? Julie Beekman, Clearwater Bay Q Where should the mules go after the cable car project is completed? We would like to thank your readers for their interest and concerns over the well-being of the mules. Parts of the Tung Chung Cable Car project are located in the remote area of the North Lantau Country Park. A challenge for the project team was how to get people, materials and equipment to these sites without causing unnecessary interruption to the natural environment. The use of pack transport, in addition to helicopters, gives us flexibility especially on days of low visibility and/or high winds when helicopters cannot fly. The use of mules for pack transport is common practice in several other countries. Mules have greater endurance and their body configuration is suited to pack transport. Each mule can comfortably carry about 120kg. The mules from Canada were chosen because of their suitability and the fact that they had already been specially trained for pack transport in a hilly environment. A specialist agent was appointed to provide support and advice on all matters relating to the welfare of the mules. We would like to assure your readers that every effort has been and will continue to be made to maintain their well-being. As to their future, several options have already been identified. While it is too early to make any decisions, we would be pleased to receive suggestions for further consideration. Miranda Leung, general manager (corporate relations), MTRC Q Should more money be set aside to preserve historic buildings? Yes, of course. Buildings such as the Wan Chai Market enrich the cultural identity of our city. Hong Kong has already torn down many historic buildings that could represent its past. The government should pay more attention and protect those buildings that can reflect Hong Kong's change and development. Janet Chung, Tsuen Wan Q Are tougher measures needed to tackle Japanese encephalitis? Yes, certainly. Drawing on the lesson of Sars last year, I think we need to take extraordinary and preventive measures to protect Hongkongers from another outbreak. Although many people are arguing about the origin of Japanese encephalitis, some common effective measures should be stepped up by the public against it. All of us must maintain our vigilance in keeping the countryside clean and free of stagnant water, clearing any stagnant water under pots at home, having a vaccine injection if a poultry worker, and tracing the infection process. I believe Hong Kong has the resources if we have the will to fight this mysterious virus. Diana Wong On-yi, Tseung Kwan O Q Does Hong Kong need the South and West Island MTR lines? As a resident of Aberdeen, I urge the MTRC and independent environmental experts to tell Hongkongers what will be the environmental impact of building the rail line. Does the construction work pass the sustainable development test? As we know, what is good for the environment, is good for us, especially our health. So it is vital the rail line passes the sustainability and environmentally friendly tests. I heard that all construction projects in Britain have to pass a sustainability test before they can be carried out. Hong Kong should adopt the same test to protect our long-term well-being. Though I like to ride MTR trains more because there is no television noise to disturb my journey, I believe we need to know the environmental impact of building the rail line before we can decide about it. Name and address supplied On other matters... I would like to commend Citybus on its recent action to extend route 5A to Happy Valley (Upper) and route 1 to Kennedy Town (Belcher Bay) by merging the two routes. But I am unable to comprehend the rationale behind the decision to axe all public bus services to Happy Valley and to Queen's Road East outside of morning peak hours. As a matter of background information, prior to May 31, route 1 started from Broom Road at Happy Valley (Upper), passed through Wan Chai Road and Hennessy Road and ended at Central (Rumsey Street). Route 5A originated from Wong Ngai Chung Road at Happy Valley (Lower), passed through Queen's Road East and ended at Kennedy Town (Belcher Bay). Both routes took the same route on the return trip. Since May 31, routes 1 and 5A have been merged and it now starts from Broom Road at Happy Valley (Upper), passes through Wan Chai Road and Hennessy Road and ends at Kennedy Town (Belcher Bay). The peak morning route 5S does go along Queen's Road East, between 7am and 8.36am. I would like Citybus to explain the decision, which has in effect deprived the residents of Happy Valley of any direct bus routes to and from Queen's Road East. Anthony Wong, Happy Valley
