HIGHWAYS OFFICE
Principal Government Highway Engineer:
J. R. WHITAKER, J.P., M.A. (Cantab.), C.Eng., F.I.C.E., F.I.Mun.E., Mem.I.T.E. W. C. BELL, J.P., D.I.C., C.Eng., M.I.C.E. (Acting)
Government Highway Engineers:
W. C. BELL, J.P., D.I.C., C.Eng., M.I.C.E.
G. A. G. SAPSTEAD, C.Eng., F.I.C.E., M.I.H.E.
A. H. WILKINS, B.Sc. (Eng.), C.Eng., M.I.C.E., A.M.I.T.E., F.E.D.I. (Acting) A. T. ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT, C.Eng., M.I.C.E., F.E.D.I. (Acting)
CHAN Nai-keong, C.Eng., M.I.C.E., A.M.I.T.E. (Acting)
GENERAL
9.01. The year saw the creation of two new divisions within the office, viz. the Structural Design Division and the Consultants Management Division. The former was formed to co-ordinate and to provide technical advice on all structural design aspects of highway structures, including the detail structural design of complete projects. The Consultants Management Division was created to centralize control and management of all highway projects undertaken by consulting engineers. The Highways Office is now sub-divided into 8 divisions and 1 unit, the functions and responsibilities of which are outlined on the organization chart on page 115.
9.02. The majority of engineering works, including maintenance works, are carried out by Contract. A direct labour force is maintained for minor road repairs and urgent drainage faults. Consulting engineers are engaged either to provide specialist knowledge or to undertake projects due to staff shortage.
9.03. Despite the comparatively wet weather and the general shortage of labour in the building industry, which pushed construction costs to their highest levels in recent years before easing off towards the end of the year, good progress was maintained on almost all engineering projects. The non-recurrent expenditure for the year amounted to $62,232,000, while $19,641,000 was spent on maintenance, minor improvements, storm damage repairs and works executed on private account.
9.04. A 24-hour skeleton organization is maintained throughout the year for dealing with emergencies affecting public roads and drains and to provide assistance where required within the resources of the office.
Page 116