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Economy needs third runway
There has been more discussion of planned infrastructure projects since the decision was made to go ahead with the high-speed rail link to the mainland.  
A great deal of debate has centred on a possible third runway at the airport. I support the government's view that it should be built.  
I think it would benefit the economic development of Hong Kong. 
It is important to increase capacity for cargo at Chek Lap Kok so that we can maintain our position as a transport hub.  
Although the construction costs will be substantial, I think it is worth the expenditure.  
We will face increasing competition from the mainland and we must equip ourselves for the forthcoming challenges. 
 Critics argue that the new runway will make our air worse and exacerbate noise pollution problems.  
However, I am sure the government can work at measures to reduce the adverse effects from the project.  
We need to keep developing the city but at the same time strike a balance between that development and protection of the environment. I see this runway as essential if Hong Kong is to move forward. 
Andy Chan Tsz-on, Tseung Kwan O
No shame in quitting marathon
 A number of people were taken to hospital and one died at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on February 5.
 It is not uncommon for people to fall sick during marathons. I think some runners get into trouble because they have not paid sufficient attention to their levels of health.  
Participants must ensure their preparation for the event has been adequate through the right exercise programme. 
If they do not, they will simply not have the stamina required to run the length of a full marathon course. 
They need to understand the full implications of running a marathon, that it puts pressure on the heart and lungs. 
If they feel really uncomfortable during a race, they should know when it is time to quit.  
 They might think they must show courage and keep going when they feel ill, but that is not sensible. There is no shame in admitting you have had enough and stopping before you put yourself at risk of becoming ill. There is always next year's marathon.  
Lau Chui-shan, Tseung Kwan O
MTR can do without colour code
I refer to Thanaseele Rajasakran's letter suggesting that the MTR uses colours instead of names ('Shades of confusion in colour map', February 13).  
While this may aid him, it will not help the many thousands of people who are colour blind or colour confused. Our current system is quite adequate for all.
We have the best rail system in the world  and should leave it as it is.
Ian A. Skeggs, Causeway Bay 
Crackdown on poachers is needed
I refer to the report ('Asia's exotic pet trade shame', January 30). 
Legislation and effective law enforcement are of paramount importance in controlling the illegal trade in animals.
 Citizens must demand that their governments significantly increase the number of trained wildlife wardens and provide them with the equipment and resources they need. 
Many wildlife officers now lack the most basic tools, such as reliable vehicles, working radios and boots.
 The wardens need uniforms,  global positioning system units, satellite phones,  petrol and weapons.
The areas  which these dedicated officers cover are vast and stopping poaching is impossible without the means to do so. 
Their professionalism should be compensated accordingly. Seizing caches of bones and body parts of dead animals is far too little, far too late.
We must not allow politicians to squabble and waste time while animal species are being wiped out. 
People must lobby government officials to take immediate steps to stop the sale of illegal products by seizing inventories, laying charges and imposing stringent penalties. 
We must demand that corruption be dealt with severely and that a real plan of action be implemented without delay.
We must come out roaring, or many animal species will be gone forever.
Des Bellamy, special projects co-ordinator, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Asia-Pacific
Give ethnic minorities subsidies
I refer to the report ('Ethnic-minority students decry huge exam fees', February 10). 
It is unfair that these students should have to pay high exam fees for Chinese language exams. Efforts are being made to ensure equality in society and we should have equal treatment for minority groups in our education system.  If these young people want to sit the more advanced GCSE Chinese-language exam, they have to pay more than HK$2,500 at AS level. 
Clearly this is out of reach for those students who come from lower-income families.  
They may have reached a high enough level in terms of language skills, but cannot afford to sit the exam. If they cannot sit the exam, this could make it more difficult for them to get into a local  university.  
 The government must consider providing more subsidies to help these teenagers from minority groups sit the Chinese-language exams.  
 This will encourage more young people from minorities to study and work in Hong Kong and to help with its development.
 This is very important, given that there is a shortage of the necessary talent in this city.  
Young people from minorities often have difficulty adapting to life in Hong Kong.  
They should not have to face unnecessary obstacles in school.  
Elaine Chow Yuen-ting, Tung Chung
Waste levy will meet obstacles
I appreciate that the government has taken the first steps in its attempts to reduce waste, but there is a lack of important information on a possible refuse charge and targets for reduction of waste. 
Is it feasible to impose a charge on all citizens?
Given the levels of inflation, many lower-income groups are already having to bear a heavy financial burden. The new levy would make their situation even tougher. 
I am also concerned about how easy it will be to collect this charge. 
If some people want to escape payment, will they just dump their refuse in bins in the streets. This will not be an easy policy to implement.
Officials must seek a dialogue with all the relevant parties and consider introducing it in stages, rather than all at once. 
Winnie Tsoi Yuen-ling, Tai Wai



Letters