457
39. The pumps are proposed to deliver direct into a 7-inch rising main terminating in a covered service reservoir situated at a level of 230 feet above Ordnance Datum, the rising main being connected at the Pumping Station with the distributing system of pipes so that the pumps will, under ordinary circumstances, pump more or less into the mains and only the surplus water pumped over and above consumption will be delivered into the reservoir, suitable valves for the purpose being fitted on the rising main.
the
40. The Service Reservoir to be constructed of rubble masonry and concrete and covered with brick and concrete arching. Contents about 200,000 gallons.
41. The Distribution Main commences at the Pumping Station in a 7-inch pipe, taking a southerly course along Station Street as far as Third Street, then along Third Street to the Austin Road, where it bifurcates a 5-inch main going down Robinson Road to supply Tsimshatsui, and a 6-inch main along the Austin Rond in an easterly direction. On reaching Des Voeux Road it turns in a north- easterly direction to Hunghom and is reduced to 5 inches in diameter terminating in the centre of the village of Hunghom. Various subsidiary mains are shewn on the plan for the purpose of conveying water within easy distance of the existing buildings.
42. All the mains are provided with valves in suitable positions for the purposes of shutting off the water in the several streets supplied if occasion should arise without depriving the whole of the districts of water.
43. It is not proposed at present that these mains should be provided with any appliances for the extinction of fire, most of the houses are situated near the harbour from which water should be pumped by fire engines for this purpose. The comparatively limited supply of water available for ordinary domestic use renders it undesirable that such a supply should be subjected to the interruption that must inevitably occur in the event of its being used for the extinction of fires.
44. It is not proposed at present to construct storage accommodation other than that provided by the reservoir mentioned in section 40. Though, doubtless, should the population materially increase considerable advantage will be gained by constructing another reservoir on the hills immediately north of Hunghom at a level of about 150 feet above Ordnance Datum.
SUPPLY TO HOUSES.
45. To secure the utmost economy in the use of water and that the greatest control practicable may be obtained over waste, I must urge the adoption of supplying water where required to be laid on to private premises by meter.
46. But, however, in order to provide for the needs of the greater part of the population who will consider it sufficient to be able to obtain water within easy reach of their houses I propose that fountains should be fixed in the streets in the positions shewn on the plan. These fountains being outside private property will be easy of inspection and any excessive waste will not be difficult to detect.
47. I have limited the proposed works to the minimum extent consistent with the present and probable requirements in the immediate future. I estimate the total cost at $90,000. (See Summary of Estimate attached.)
MAINTENANCE.
48. To provide for the efficient maintenance of the works it will be necessary that a European Overseer should be resident at Yaumati, accommodation for whom I propose to provide in connection with the Pumping Station buildings. Five Turncocks or native Water Inspectors would have to be provided and reside at Yaumati, Mongkoktsui, Tsimshatsui and Hunghom. The probable staff required to work the pumping machinery would be as follows:-Two engine drivers, two stokers and two coolies. The total cost of maintenance including the cost of coal and stores used at the Pumping Station I estimate at $7,000 per annum.
COST OF Water.
49. To pay off the cost of construction of these works in 20 years at 5 per cent. in equal annual instalments the amount of such instalments would be $7,218. Adding to this the cost of maintenance, viz.: $7,000 per annum gives as the total annual cost of a supply of 232,000 gallons per diem or 84,680,000 gallons per annum $14,218. Or cost per 1,000 gallons 17 cents.
50. The annual rating valuation of the districts supplied is $225,840. In addition to the water supplied for ordinary domestic purposes I estimate that at present about 25,000 gallons per diem will be supplied by meter to the Naval, Military and Colonial Institutions. This quantity at 25 cents per 1,000 gallons would realize $2,281 per annum.