M 115
Measure for the Protection of Health of the Labour Force at Shing Mun Dam Construction Works.
562. The site for the dam is situated in broken country about 500 feet above the sea where the terrain consists of granite hills separated by steep-sided ravines. At the commencement of the works the narrow ravine inverts were drained by boulder-bedded streams themselves fed by innumerable seepages and springs. Wherever possible the hill sides had been terraced and irrigated for the wet cultivation of rice.
563. The country abounded with potential breeding places of anopheline mosquitoes many of which were difficult to bring under control.
564. Judging from past experience of earth works carried out in such country the probability was that unless adequate precautionary measures were taken there would be a high malaria incidence and death rate among the labourers employed. It was therefore decided to take such precautions as might be practicable to prevent the introduction and spread of infection.
565. It was agreed that there should be a division of labour in carrying out the scheme for health control. The Medical Department undertook responsibility for investigation and research, for anti-larval measures other than drainage, for drug prophylaxis and treatment.
566. The Engineering Staff undertook to do clearing and drainage, the construction of buildings and general sanitary requirements. It was understood that the two departments should work in full cooperation.
567. On the medical side it was considered necessary to provide a mosquito-proof hospital and medical centre and to employ as a resident staff a Chinese Medical Officer and two or more dressers for hospital and field work also a gang for oiling and ditching. It was recommended that anti-malaria measures be controlled by the Malariologist and drug prophylaxis and treatment be under control of the M.O. i/c New Territories.
568. With regard to the engineering aspect an engineer who had had many years experience in Malaya was engaged to take charge of the anti-malaria drainage.
569. Owing to the very broken nature of the country there was very little choice in the matter of sites for coolie lines, for quarters for the European Staff, for hospital buildings and medical quarters. The best had to be made of a very difficult situation.
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M 115
Measure for the Protection of Health of the Labour Force at Shing Mun Dam Construction Works.
562. The site for the dam is situated in broken country about 500 feet above the sea where the terrain consists of granite hills separated by steep sided ravines. At the com- mencement of the works the narrow ravine inverts were drained by boulder-bedded streams themselves fed by
themselves fed by innumerable seepages and springs. Wherever possible the hill sides had been terraced and irrigated for the wet cultivation of rice.
563. The country abounded with potential breeding places of anopheline mosquitoes many of which were difficult to bring under control.
564. Judging from past experience of earth works carried out in such country the probability was that unless adequate precautionary measures were taken there would be a high malaria incidence and death rate among the labourers employed. It was therefore decided to take such precautions as might be practicable to prevent the introduction and spread of infection.
565. It was agreed that there should be a division of labour in carrying out the scheme for health control. The Medical Department undertook responsibility for investigation and research, for anti-larval measures other than drainage, for drug prophylaxis and treatment.
566. The Engineering Staff undertook to do clearing and drainage, the construction of buildings and general sanitary requirements. It was understood that the two departments should work in full cooperation.
567. On the medical side it was considered necessary to provide a mosquito-proof hospital and medical centre and to employ as a resident staff a Chinese Medical Officer and two or more dressers for hospital and field work also a gang for oiling and ditching. It was recommended that anti-malaria measures be controlled by the Malariologist and drug prophylaxis and treatment be under control of the M.O. i/e New Territories.
568. With regard to the engineeing aspect an engineer who had had many years experience in Malaya was engaged to take charge of the anti-malaria drainage.
569. Owing to the very broken nature of the country there was very little choice in the matter of sites for coolie lines, for quarters for the European Staff, for hospital buildings and medical quarters. The best had to be made of a very difficult situation.
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