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caused protracted periods of minimal non-scouring flow to be followed by peak flows beyond the designed capacity of the system and by the introduction of excessive quantities of storm-water to the sewers during heavy rainfall. Efforts were made to reduce the latter nuisance and a number of illegal connexions were diverted. The number of chokes cleared from sewers and stormwater drains increased during the year and totalled over 4,000 on the Island and over 5,000 in Kowloon, and during the same period more than 1,000 repairs were carried out to sewers,
82. Nuisance caused by the discharge of crude sewage into the harbour became more pronounced due to the increase in the number of water-borne sewage installations coupled with the severity of water supply restrictions. Investigations were commenced into the possibility of providing a measure of treatment to the sewage before discharge in order to bring the pollution of the foreshores and harbour within more desirable limits.
Anti-Malarial Works
83. Minor maintenance was carried out to anti-malarial works and channels, and trained nullahs were maintained in a satisfactory condition. A large proportion of the dry-weather flow in stream courses which pass through the urban areas is now tapped and piped to buildings for sanitary flushing purposes.
Works on Private Account
84. Requests for drainage connexions between new buildings and the Government mains were many, and the policy of laying sewers and stormwater drains on private land at the expense of the owners was continued when it could be anticipated that the land would in due course be surrendered and that liability for future maintenance would become a public charge. During the year over 600 connexions were laid and more than 6,000 feet of sewer and stormwater extensions were constructed under private accounts.
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