LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
commenced in September 2002 for completion in 2004, aiming at devising long-term and short-term measures to upgrade the stormwater drainage system so as to cope with current and future development needs.
Under a preventive maintenance programme, the public drainage system is regularly inspected and desilted before and during the rainy seasons. These preventive measures ensure that stormwater is discharged effectively, and prevent blockages and overflows which may cause flooding and nuisance to the public.
In 2003, the department maintained about 3 223 kilometres of watercourses, river channels and drains, from which about 60 000 cubic metres of silt were removed. To provide effective drainage services, the department operates a 24-hour drainage hotline service to receive complaints from the public on blocked drains. It also operates an Emergency and Storm Damage Organisation to ensure that emergency situations are dealt with speedily and efficiently.
The department has completed a series of aesthetic improvement works to the open nullahs in East Kowloon as part of the Government's efforts in 'greening' the environment. In March 2002, it began the construction of a planter parapet to replace the granite wall along the Kai Tak Nullah in the Wong Tai Sin District, and over 10 000 shrubs were planted on the parapet to provide a green environment for residents. The project, costing $1.4 million, was substantially completed in June.
The importance of flood prevention is promoted through various public education activities. Promotional pamphlets and advisory notes are published and distributed to villagers and to property management offices before the rainy season. In addition, the department has organised site visits for District Councillors and the media to promote their understanding of the department's work and thereby enhance public awareness of what is being done to prevent flooding.
Civil Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
The Civil Engineering Department (CED) manages a comprehensive slope safety system, which has brought about a substantial improvement in the safety of slopes in Hong Kong. This has been achieved by improving slope safety standards and technology, ensuring the safety of new slopes, improving the safety of existing slopes, and providing public warnings, information, education and community advisory services on slope safety.
The department audits the adequacy of the design and construction of all geotechnical works by the private sector, public authorities and government departments to ensure their long-term safety. In 2003, it audited 13 666 geotechnical design proposals and inspected 2 890 active construction sites.
The department maintains a continuing Landslip Preventive Measures (LPM) Programme to rectify the safety of existing slopes. In 2003, a total of about $920 million was spent on the LPM Programme. Upgrading works were completed on 260 government slopes, and all were landscaped to blend them with the surrounding environment. In addition, safety screening was completed on 320 private slopes.
The department inspects hillside squatter villages to identify huts vulnerable to landslides, recommends rehousing of the affected squatters and advises the occupants to seek safe shelter during heavy rain. In 2003, it inspected about 70 squatter villages.
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