Getting Contacts Was a Lengthy Process
I initially contacted their Environmental Protection Department, which I uncovered via a websearch, with the following email.
Dear Madam or Sir:
"I'm writing concerning an upcoming trip I'll be making to Hong Kong
May 4th through May 6th. As editor of American Sweeper magazine, I would like to interview someone
involved with sweeping the streets of Hong Kong. I would hope to be
able to use the material in a story in a future issue of American
Sweeper magazine, or on our website."
"I would be very grateful if you could put me into contact with
someone who could help make this happen. Thank you in advance for
your efforts on my behalf."
Sincerely,
Ranger Kidwell-Ross
A week later, when I hadn't received a reply, I sent a second, similar message. By now, it was the 20th of April, just 12 days from departure. In two days, I received the following:
Subject: Re: E(01/0652) Visit by American Sweeper Magazine Editor
Dear Mr. Ranger,
Thank you for your enquiry. We are processing your request and shall come back to you as soon as possible. Please let me know if you do not hear from us within the next few days.
Yours sincerely,
Enquiry TIU, Environmental Protection Department
Then, two days later, the following email arrived:
Subject: Re: E(01/0652) Visit by American Sweeper Magazine Editor
Dear Ranger,
Thank you for your mail of 20.4.2001. Please contact the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department , which is responsible sweeping streets.
Yours sincerely,
Enquiry TIU, Environmental Protection Department
It was now just 7 days from my departure. I immediately sent a new request, as advised, to the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, including in my message a copy of the previous communications. This response came the next day:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your email of 25/4/2001 to the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department. The matters raised have been referred to relevant officers/department for attention. The subject officer will shortly advise you his contact telephone number and take follow up action.
Yours faithfully,
Enquiry Services Centre
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
At this point, my optimism soared; however, by the night before the flight I still lacked the response I had hoped for. The morning of my flight, I checked my email for a last time and there it was, what appeared to be the opening I needed:
Subject: Upcoming Visit to Hong Kong
Dear Mr. Ranger,
Thank you for your email of April 25th 2001. Our Enquiry Services Centre has passed it to me for a reply to you.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is responsible for the provision and management of public cleansing services, including street sweeping services, in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As Superintendent (Cleansing & Hygiene) of the Department who deal with the policy matters of public cleansing services, I will be the contact person of the Department in respect of your enquiry and your intended interview during your stay in Hong Kong.
I understand you will be in Hong Kong from May 4th through May 6th, and your schedule is very tight. Concerning your request, would you please provide us with the following information before you come to Hong Kong:
1. Purpose of the interview.
2. Date and time of the interview that is convenient to you.
3. Whom (the sweeper, his supervisor or the management team?) would you like to interview?
4. The outline of the interview; if possible, would you please provide us with your questions in advance?
5. Are you going to visit our cleansing venues?
6. Will photos be taken on our operatives and in the venues?
You can contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Superintendent (Cleansing & Hygiene) Food and Environmental Hygiene Department/HKSAR
Although I only had time to respond briefly to Mr. Lee, and assure him that he would be able to review any information I would be posting, I now knew that I now had a contact who was willing to help me in Hong Kong.
Subject: Upcoming Visit to Hong Kong
Date: Wed, 2 May 2001
Mr. Lee,
Unfortunately, I am receiving your previous email just prior to catching my flight to Hong Kong. However, I would like to assure you that I am intending to write a positive story about the way your organization conducts sweeping in Hong Kong. Although because of the timing I am not able to provide you now with the information you have requested, I will be glad to offer the story for your review prior to publication.
I will be arriving in Hong Kong tomorrow, May 3rd, at about 10 PM, and will be staying at the Hong Kong Sheraton. I will contact you the next morning, or please feel free to call me, as well. I am very much looking forward to meeting with you and discussing the sweeping of Hong Kong.
Cheers,
Ranger
The response waiting for me upon arrival was:
Subject: Upcoming Visit to Hong Kong
Date: Thu, 3 May 2001
Hi Ranger,
Would you please call me at 2867 ___ (during office hours) or
6199 ___ (my mobile phone) when you arrive Hong Kong. I propose you visit
our Tai Po Vehicle Depot to see our mechanical sweepers and other refuse
collection vehicles on May 4th afternoon. You can talk to me about what else you
want to see.
I will receive you at your hotel.
You are welcome to Hong Kong.
Wilson LEE
Superintendent (Cleansing & Hygiene)
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department/HKSAR
