34
At the low gap, Jubilee Reservoir, a row of interlocking steel sheet piling was driven on instructions from the consulting engineers in an attempt to arrest the leakage.
The rainfall during the year amounted to 86.71 inches which is 2.41 above the average for the past 56 years. The bulk of this rainfall occurred between April and August, and the impounding reservoirs were full to capacity on 12 days only in Hong Kong and on 13 days in Kowloon, in May and June. Owing to the large increase in population and consequent record consumption the supply had to be restricted for the greater part of the year, a full supply being given for forty-two days only in Hong Kong and for forty-four days in Kowloon.
Works in connection with the general extension of the Colony's waterworks approved in 1937 were continued. The pumping stations and pipe-lines to Albany and Peak Road and the Peak Road service reservoir were completed and brought into operation. The two new 21″ cross harbour pipe-lines were completed. The mechanical equipment for the Eastern rapid gravity filters was ordered and enquiries made for the necessary pumping plant. Kowloon Tsai Service Reservoir was about three quarters completed. The local manufacture of 24" mild steel pipes was commenced and the recovery and reconditioning of the 18" cross-harbour main completed for the supply and distribution mains from Kowloon Tsai Service Reservoir. Extensions to the distribution system of the island and mainland were made. The second section of the Shing Mun catchwater was nearly completed and the third section commenced. The final extension of the rapid gravity filters of the Shing Mun Valley Scheme was commenced. Preliminary investigations including prickings and borings on the proposed dam site in connection with the Tai Lam Chung Valley Scheme were continued.
In connection with Air Raid Precautions, various waterworks structures were protected by sandbags and railway sleepers and several splinter-proof shelters were commenced. A scheme was prepared for running the waterworks in time of emergency.
Reclamations.
Reclamations at North Point, Kennedy Town and Kun Tong were continued. The two former are being made by deposits of building debris; the last-named by deposits of town refuse and dredgings. The areas reclaimed by the end of the year were 5.9, 3.2 and 14.5 acres respectively.
Electrical Works.
Repairs were carried out to the submarine cable between the island of Hong Kong and Waglan Lighthouse and steps were being taken to restore communication between Lantau and Cheung Chau islands, the submarine telephone cable having been damaged during the typhoon on 23rd November, 1939.
A certain amount of work was carried out at various refugee camps and a private intercommunication telephone system was installed at Government House.
Buildings Ordinance Office.
During the year the building industry continued to improve and has now apparently recovered from the slump which has prevailed during recent years. disturbed conditions in China have continued to contribute to this recovery.
Valuations and Resumptions.
The total valuations made during the year comprised 1,376 hereditaments, with a total estimated value of $11,138,534.69.
Valuations were made for the purpose of resumption for street widenings and the development of areas in accordance with the approved Town Planning Scheme, for the Military Authorities, anti-malarial works, Estate Duty, Exchange and sundry other purposes.