Positive steps need strong will to deliver
- Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing has raised ideas worthy of further exploration
- But the Environment Bureau is not known for having a good track record when it comes to delivering
Even though restoring social order is Hong Kong’s first priority, the embattled government still needs to get on with other business. Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing has rightly showed the commitment expected of a capable and visionary minister. From developing cross-border renewable power supply to phasing out fossil fuel vehicles, there is a lot on his plate.
Commendable as it is, the Environment Bureau is not known for having a good track record when it comes to delivering. Take the garbage levy.
Raised as early as in 2003 to help reduce municipal waste, the bill giving effect to the charge is still languishing in the legislature. The target implementation year has been repeatedly put back and it remains unclear when the law will be passed.
No less ambitious is the vision of phasing out fossil fuel vehicles in 20 years. The government has sought to renew the momentum in promoting the use of electric vehicles, with HK$2 billion set aside to upgrade parking facilities to EV charging. But the experience of other green initiatives by the bureau does not instil public confidence.