PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
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possible sites for reservoirs to be built in tidal estuaries on the Plover Cove pattern.
While major supply schemes provide resources to keep pace with the continuing increase in demand, there is a corresponding need for continuous extension to the distribution system. During the year, five new covered service reservoirs for storage of treated water were completed, and another nine were under construction. Some 24 miles of pipeline of 12-inch diameter, or larger, were laid. Wherever possible the salt water systems have been extended for flushing and fire-fighting purposes and three new salt water reser- voirs were brought into use during the year, while two were under construction
In April the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries assumed responsibility for carrying out improvements to the traditional irrigation systems in the New Territories. Professional assistance was provided by the Water Authority, pending recruitment of suitable staff to his establishment. Improvements were carried out to existing irrigation systems and new works to improve supplies were constructed. During the year 3,500 feet of irrigation channels were lined with concrete to reduce seepage; 22,000 feet of-new channels and 11 diversion dams were constructed.
BUILDINGS
The pace of new building work slackened slightly, compared with former years, but its scope widened because HM Ministry of Public Building and Works handed over to the Public Works Department, in July, the responsibility for maintaining existing British Forces buildings and the construction of future buildings. Water restrictions in mid-summer, shortages of cement and steel, and restrictions on blasting, slowed the progress of some contracts. A few continued to be delayed by financial difficulties. Private architects, quantity surveyors, and consultants continued to play a part in the public building programme. Expenditure during the year amounted to approximately $93 million on resettlement estates and their associated schools and factories; $22 million on government low-cost housing; and $53 million on all other projects.
Thirty-six 16-storey and three eight-storey resettlement blocks, seven 20-storey and two 12-storey government low-cost housing