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Letters | How Hong Kong’s budget can best channel green investments
- Readers discuss environmental priorities the budget should address, the catering industry’s apprehensions about the ban on single-use plastics, and the delay of the waste-charging scheme
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The 2024-25 budget will be unveiled by Financial Secretary Chan Mo-po on February 28. The Green Earth would like to share the views it expressed on environmental measures during a budget consultation meeting.
The need to keep expenditure within the limit of revenue is clearly stated in the Basic Law. In December last year, Chan warned that the government’s deficit could be more than HK$100 billion (US$12.8 billion). We must prevent the situation from worsening.
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It would be prudent for the government to pull the plug on the mega reclamation project “Lantau Tomorrow Vision”, estimated to cost HK$580 billion, and channel its limited reserves into other areas where investments are more needed for the sustainable development of our city.
For example, to ease public concern about the waste charging scheme that has been postponed and will now take effect on August 1, the government needs to set aside enough funds to improve waste management facilities while enhancing public education.
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Apart from the existing recycling facilities, there are only 47 government-funded recycling stations and recycling stores coupled with some 130 recycling spots to serve the entire population. In some districts, residents need to walk at least 15 minutes if they are keen to practise recycling. This weak recycling network should be expanded to make it more convenient for users.
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