13
Planning, Land and Infrastructure
ensures a reliable source of supply and avoids wastage of precious water resources. About 629 million cubic metres of Dongjiang water was imported in 2016.
Water Storage and Consumption
Full supply was maintained throughout the year, during which the territory recorded rainfall of about 3,027mm. Storage reservoirs held some 426 million cubic metres of water at the end of 2016.
Some 987 million cubic metres of fresh water was consumed in 2016, with an average daily supply of about 2.7 million cubic metres. Another 260 million cubic metres of sea water was supplied for toilet flushing.
Total Water Management
The government manages water demand and supply in an integrated, multisectoral and sustainable manner under its Total Water Management strategy. It contains growth in water demand through water conservation, which includes running a 'Cherish Water Campus' campaign, holding an educational programme for primary schools and installing flow controllers in public housing estates, schools and government buildings.
In 2016, a consultancy study on the investigation review, design and construction of the first stage of a proposed desalination plant in Tseung Kwan O continued. The design of infrastructural works for reclaimed water supply to the northeastern New Territories for non- potable uses, studies about the finance and legal framework on reclaimed water and a consultancy review of the Total Water Management strategy were also under way.
Water Works
A replacement and rehabilitation programme that involved some 3,000km of aged water mains had reduced the number of mains bursts from around 2,500 cases in 2000 to about 116 in 2016. The leakage rate had also been lowered from over 25 per cent in 2001 to about 15 per cent in 2016. The entire works programme was substantially completed at the end of 2015.
The expansion of Tai Po Water Treatment Works and its ancillary water transfer facilities continued. The in situ reprovisioning of the South Works of the Sha Tin Water Treatment Works, for which advance works started in 2015, is targeted for completion in 2023.
Consumer Accounts
The number of water consumer accounts was about 2.9 million at the end of 2016.
Construction Industry
Construction Industry Council
The Construction Industry Council aims to raise standards in the industry, including construction site safety, subcontracting, environment and technology, procurement, and manpower training and development. Its training centres provide training and trade testing services.
203