9.02
The majority of engineering works, including maintenance works, are carried out by contract, a small direct labour force being used to deal with urgent drainage faults and for minor road repairs. Consulting Engineers are engaged on a number of projects as a consequence of staff shortages in the Office or because of their specialised expertise.
9.03
Good progress was maintained on almost all engineering projects. The Capital Works expenditure for the year on all highways projects including those for client departments amounted to $203.11 million, while $56.44 million was spent on maintenance, minor improvements, storm damage repairs and works executed on private account.
9.04
The Office maintains a 24-hour skeleton organisation throughout the year to deal with any emergencies that may arise affecting public roads and drains and, when required and within the resources of the Office, to provide assistance to other organisations. This emergency organisation is reinforced during the wet season and is readily expanded as necessary to handle any typhoon and rainstorm damage or other natural disaster. A 24-hour standby duty is also maintained by the sewer gangs to attend to emergency calls from the public to clear choked drains.
9.05
Senior officers continued to serve on or attend the following inter-departmental committees:-
Committee Representative(s) Transport Advisory Committee Government Highway Engineer (Traffic and Transport) Building Construction and Civil Engineering Metrication Sub-Committee Technical Secretary Traffic and Transport Survey Division Priorities Committee Government Highway Engineer (Traffic and Transport)Chief Engineer, Traffic and Transport Survey Steering Committee on Waterborne Transport Chief Engineer, Traffic Engineering (Hong Kong)
Chief Engineer, Traffic Engineering (Mainland)
Senior Engineer, (Traffic and Transport Survey Division)
Government Highway Engineer (Traffic and Transport)
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