LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
218
government slopes and statutory notices were recommended for 77 private slopes. Preliminary studies were carried out on 1 140 slopes, and detailed geotechnical investigations were completed on 109. Along with slopes in the old catalogue, a new catalogue is being prepared.
A public works project on the 'Systematic Identification and Registration of Slopes in the Territory' (SIRST), which began in 1994, will lead to a computerised Slope Information System containing important information on sizeable man-made slopes in the territory. Preparatory work for SIRST, which began in 1992, involves territory- wide systematic aerial photograph interpretation and field checks to identify additional old fill slopes, cut slopes and retaining walls that have not previously been registered.
The GEO enhanced its public education campaign to increase awareness of the importance of slope maintenance and the responsibility of land owners to maintain their slopes. An animated 30-second TV announcement has been produced in collaboration with the Information Services Department to convey more dramatically the message of slope maintenance. New posters and leaflets have been prepared and widely disseminated to promote the importance of slope maintenance. A 'Guide to Slope Maintenance' and a bi-lingual 'Layman's Guide to Slope Maintenance' were published in September 1995.
The GEO has begun to implement the recommendations of the Slope Safety Review conducted in 1994. These included extending the scope of the LPM upgraded programme to cover selected roadside slopes; developing proposals for improved statutory geotechnical control of private slopes and developments; introducing into the LPM process a supplementary procedure involving a more integrated slope stability assessment; and assisting the Lands Department in carrying out the Systematic Identification of Maintenance Responsibility for all registered slopes (SIMAR).
The GEO continues to be concerned about the landslip hazard to squatters on hillsides. The squatter clearance programme and work to improve village conditions over the last decade have significantly reduced such landslip hazards. During 1995, inspections of about 23 squatter villages in the New Territories were completed. Recommendations were made for the clearance of more than 180 squatter huts and rehousing for their occupants. Since this work began in the early 1980s, some 71 500 squatters have been rehoused away from steep hillsides because of concerns about landslips during heavy rainfall.
The GEO operates the Landslip Warning System in conjunction with the Royal Observatory and provides a 24-hour landslip emergency service throughout the year. Its staff attended to 302 reports of landslips to advise on immediate measures to reduce danger and, for public slopes, on permanent remedial measures as well.
The Hong Kong Geological Survey published three 1:20 000 scale geological maps for Lantau and Cheung Chau, along with the remaining 1:5 000 scale detailed geological maps of north Lantau. A 1:100 000 scale map of the geology of Hong Kong and an explanatory document are being prepared. The computerised borehole data for Hong Kong is expanding, facilitated by the new requirement for contractors to submit ground investigation and laboratory testing records in a standardised, computer-readable format.