DAB discusses need for road maintenance

The DAB called for better road maintenance in Central and Western District to address concerns regarding uneven roads, cracked pavements, and loose and sunken paving bricks which affects the safety of pedestrians and vehicles. The DAB recently inspected roads in the district and identified more than 200 spots with poor pedestrian or traffic conditions. It said repairs in the past were fixed with poor quality paving material because it was quick and convenient. However, many repairs were damaged over time due to tree root growth, vehicles driving, and heavy trucks. "We have continuously reported to the Highways Department to do emergency repairs, however, the material they are using is not durable...it may only last a few days after they do repair work," said District Councillor Rex Ip. Legislative Councillor Chan Hok-fung called for a re-evaluation of the quality of asphalt used for emergency repairs and the strengthening of inspections so that work could happen as soon as possible. Ip said while bigger repairs may come with disruptions, they were necessary to ensure the durability and longevity of new roads. “It may take over a month to repair Caine Road, if we could show the public that after the complete maintenance work is done, it may last for a few years, even though it may cause a bit of inconvenience.”