XN000022-1972-09-14 — Page 2

Thursday, September 14, 1972

WATER SUPPLY TO NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGES

The Government is considering new plans for a further extension of

the mains water supply to remote areas of the New Territories.

The initial programme, a four-year scheme to connect villages in

the Tai Po and Yuen Long Districts, began in March 1969 and is now nearing

completion,

The provision of treated drinking water to the villages has become

increasingly necessary over the years because, in many anos, traditional

sources of water from streams and wells are no longer adequate to cope with

the increase in population.

These sources may also become contaminated through the changes

in land usage from rice growing to animal farming and industrial and

residential developments.

Under the existing four-year plan, some 53,000 villagers in five

areas of the Tai Po District are receiving treated mains water, while in the

Yuen Long area some 42,000 people will eventually benefit from the scheme.

This year no less than three major water schemes were completed

to bring a reliable water supply to rural communities.

In May, 20,000 residents of Tai O on Lantau Island saw the inauguration

of a new $1.5 million supply scheme which draws on the resources of the

Shek Pik Reservoir.

/In April,