(k) The laying of approximately 20,000 feet of 30 inch, 4,000 feet of 24 inch and 3,000 feet of 21 inch diameter piping between the service reservoirs at Lai Chi Kok and Ma Tau Wei.
(l) The laying of 4,500 feet of 30 inch and 1,000 feet of 24 inch diameter piping to link up the new Garden Road pumping station with the service reservoirs at Albany and Bowen Road.
315. Satisfactory progress was made on the construction of the catchwater tunnel and settling basin, the construction of the second half of the pumping station at Tsuen Wan, the construction of the second half of the filter house and the installation of the filtration equipment also at Tsuen Wan, and the construction of a balance tank at Kau Wa Keng. Contracts were let for the construction of 34,000 feet of catchwater channel and tunnels. New orders were placed for pipes and valves to complete the scheme. Survey work was continued for the construction of the balance of the catchwater channels.
New Reservoir-Lantao Island.
316. The Consulting Engineers, Messrs. Binnie, Deacon and Gourley, who had been commissioned to prepare a report on the possibility of obtaining additional water supplies from Lantao, completed detailed investigations in the Shek Pik valley.
317. Unfortunately the site investigations were discouraging and the Consultants considered that a conventional concrete filled cut-off could not be formed through the water bearing gravel below the proposed dam. They were, however, of the opinion that a watertight barrier could be formed by using the clay cement method of grouting alluvial deposits, a method devised by a French firm, but recommended that a trial length to test the effectiveness of the grouting should be done prior to letting any other contracts.
318. They were accordingly instructed to negotiate a contract for a grout test and to proceed with the design of the cut-off seal, the main dam and other essential works. Arrangements were commenced for the construction of the necessary quarters and offices, water supply, etc., for the personnel to be employed on the test.
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