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Typhoon Mangkhut
Hong KongHealth & Environment

Shek O Beach residents angry and fearful over Hong Kong officials’ response to debris clean-up after Typhoon Mangkhut destruction

Frustration mounts as two departments deny responsibility for overseeing area once occupied by barbecue pits and reclaimed by government months ago

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Volunteers clearing rubbish at Shek O Beach on Hong Kong Island in the wake of Typhoon Mangkhut. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
Kylie Knott

Hong Kong residents frustrated by officials’ response to clean a part of Shek O Beach devastated on Sunday by Typhoon Mangkhut have claimed debris piled up since Monday poses a health hazard.

Their concerns centre upon an area on the eastern side of the beach where barbecue pits once stood and were closed in March for occupying government land. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) ordered four barbecue operators to vacate the strip or face a fine of HK$500,000 (US$63,900) and six months in jail.

But determining who is now responsible for clearing that area has become a bureaucratic hot potato.

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Nearby residents said the LCSD claimed that part of the beach falls under the jurisdiction of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), which asserted the LCSD has oversight.

Shek O residents are seeking government help in cleaning up the beach. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
Shek O residents are seeking government help in cleaning up the beach. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
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“The government reclaimed the barbecue area, but where are they now that help is urgently needed?” resident Rachel Wilson asked. “The government departments seem to be playing ping-pong with their responsibilities.”

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