201. A contract for $1,325,497.14 was signed on 12th August and work commenced immediately. Considerable excavation was necessary to accommodate such a large reservoir on the site, and despite numerous trial bores before work commenced the excavation has revealed far more rock than was anticipated, mostly situated underneath the old filters and reservoir where bores were not possible. By the end of the year excavation was about one third complete, and concreting of side walls had commenced. The excavated material was tipped into the adjacent valleys.
202. Tytam Tuk Pumping Station. Two diesel and one electric driven pump, each capable of 3 million gallons per day against a head of 400 ft., were ordered in 1948 to replace the existing three steam units. These three new units were received during the year but their late delivery made it necessary to postpone the installation of the diesel units until early summer of next year when pumping will be at a minimum. The electric driven pump was, however, in service by the end of March without disturbing the steam pumps, and one steam pump was dismantled and the foundation concreted for the first of the diesels. All castings for the new suction and delivery mains were ordered and a length of new suction laid.
203. The dismantled steam unit was sold by tender as it stood for $64,950, the purchaser being responsible for taking down and removing it.
204. Pokfulam Road Pumping Station. Installation of the diesel pumps referred to in paragraph 218 of last year's report was continued. It was found that the pump of the high lift set for the Peak supply had been damaged in transit, one of the cast iron feet of the pump casing being fractured. After correspondence with the suppliers, repairs were effected locally. One diesel having been installed last year and put into operation, it was possible to dismantle one of the existing steam units.
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