and storm-water drains was laid, approximately one-third of which
serves private estate development and was carried out at the cost of the developers.
176. The last quarter of the year was notable for the urgent works necessary for the rehousing of the Shek Kip Mei fire victims. Storm-water culverts, channels and foul sewers required for this scheme, costing approximately $360,000, were approaching completion at the end of the year.
177. The office was also responsible for maintenance work and alterations to air raid tunnels.
Sewerage
178. The curtailment of mains water supply and the shortage of nullah and well water during certain periods, again caused many chokes and other minor nuisances because of inadequate flushing of the sewers; a slight decrease in number was noted, however, compared with previous years.
179. Many of the older main sewers are now used to full capacity and the entry of rainwater from old property continued to cause over-flows either into nearby storm-water culverts or from manholes into roads.
180. The work of replacing old stoneware pipe sewers within the Waterworks catchment areas with larger cast iron pipe sewers as a precaution against pollution of reservoirs, was continued.
181. A subsidiary sewer was relaid in Wong Nei Chong Road, and diversions were made in Link Road and Village Road to relieve the main Wong Nei Chong Road sewer of the excessive flow resulting from building development in the area. Minor drainage improvements were made, as funds permitted, for the resettlement areas at Chai Wan, Tung Tau, Ho Man Tin and Mount Davis, and a foul sewer and outfall were laid to permit the use of water closets on parts of Ap Lei Chau Island.
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