XN000022-1972-11-07 — Page 2

2

Tuesday, November 7, 1972

(2) Should undue water seepage or soil dampness be

discovered immediate steps should be taken to lower the groundwater level by the following means;

(i) sealing the surface.

(ii)

(iii)

installation of horizontal drains into the slope.

installation of cut-off drains above the slope.

"The method to be adopted," the Commission says, "depends on the

nature and location of the particular trouble spots as well as the characteristics

of the embankment itself and its surrounding terrain."

The interim report, which is to be published in both English and Chinese

shortly, sets out the history of the Sau Mau Ping licensed area, and describes

in detail the circumstances in which the landslip occurred and the course of

the rescue work.

It also examines the engineering and technical considerations involved

in establishing the cause of the disaster.

Commenting on the interim report, a Government spokesman said today

that the Public Works Department each year carries out various measures to

minimise the risk of danger from landslips.

Steps taken before the beginning of each wet season include:

(a) Thorough inspection of all drainage systems.

(b) Checking of all government works in progress for possible damage in the event of rainstorms.

(c) Checking of private formation works and warning

authorised architects and developers to take necessary precautions against washouts, landslides, blockage of drains and collapse of scaffoldings and hoardings, etc.

/(a) The maintenance