catchwaters and pumping stations and led via a network of tunnels into a reservoir which will have a capacity of about 60,000 million gallons, i.e. larger than the final capacity of Plover Cove reservoir.
10.83. A contract has already been awarded for site investigation work for the tunnels and dams and contract documents are being prepared for the construction of these structures and their associated access roads.
10.84. The project which will be the largest waterworks scheme ever undertaken in Hong Kong should be completed in 1976 at an estimated cost of over $750 million.
North West Water Scheme
10.85. Draft revised proposals for a scheme to develop the water resources in the north western part of the New Territories were received from the consulting engineers.
Small Experimental Desalting Plant
10.86. Tenders were invited from selected firms for the supply and erection of a 50,000 gallons per day desalting plant to provide basic data for future design of large scale plants.
CONTRACTS AND CLAIMS UNIT
Senior Engineer:
M. T. NEWTON, C.Eng., M.I.C.E., A.M.I.W.E. (Acting)
10.87. The unit was created during the year and is responsible for advising on the preparation of contracts and the vetting of claims from contractors for works carried out by the Waterworks Office and by consulting engineers.
10.88. The system of contract procedure used by consultants was examined in order to safeguard Government's interests in contracts under their control. Close liaison was maintained with the consultants office and site staff.
10.89. All tender documents associated with Plover Cove and High Island projects were examined and site records scrutinized in order to provide a comprehensive background against which claim assessments could be reviewed.
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