XN000022-1995-03-22 — Page 16

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HK's largest water pumping station begins operation

The largest water pumping station in Hong Kong was officially opened today (Wednesday) to mark the United Nations World Water Day.

Speaking at the opening ceremony for the Tai Po Tau "D" Pumping Station, Stage One, the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Hu Man-shiu, said it had cost $315 million and had an initial capacity of 1.15 million cubic metres per day.

"When the pumping plants are fully installed in the later stages, the pumping station will have an ultimate capacity of 3.07 million cubic metres per day and will continue to be the focal point of Hong Kong's raw water transfer system.

"We currently receive about 70 per cent of our water from China. The rest is derived from local catchment and reservoirs. To meet the increasing demand, the Government has reached an agreement to receive more water from China.

"The annual quantity of water received from China will rise progressively from the present 690 million cubic metres to 1,100 million cubic metres in around 2008.

"An extensive programme of new works has been implemented to distribute this water. The new pumping station is one of the major elements of these new works," Mr Hu added.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Chairman of the Legislative Council's Public Works Sub-committee, Dr Samuel Wong Ping-wai, said "the Water Supplies Department has undertaken many far-sighted projects of world class status to keep pace with the ever-growing demand for water.

"The Tai Po Tai 'D' Pumping Station where we are present today is one of the components of the third scheme for the reception and transfer of the much increased East River water supply to meet Hong Kong's demand beyond 1994," Dr Wong said.

Dr Wong also noted that the Department will spend in 1995/96 nearly $2.2 billion in expanding and improving the water supply system, including building new treatment works, supply to new towns, the new airport and new ports development and to meet the demand generated from the fast track housing development programme.

"All these works are an essential part of all the infrastructures that we have embarked on to maintain Hong Kong's status as a most prosperous city in Asia," Dr Wong added.