XN000022-1996-11-12 — Page 6

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Mr Kwong said economic development and rapid growth of the global population had created an increasing demand of water supply and brought along pollution which posed severe threats to existing water sources.

"The search for new water sources and protection of existing water sources are therefore two of the major issues facing many water authorities in the world, especially in the developing countries," he said.

"The development and protection of water resources are often beyond the control of individual water authorities. It is not uncommon that the water supply to a large area covering a number of water authorities or even countries depends on one single water source.

"It would require the co-operation of the concerned bodies at regional, national or even international levels to preserve and protect our precious water sources."

Mr Kwong took the opportunity to congratulate the IWSA on its achievements in promoting mutual understanding and harmonious working relationship amongst national water bodies, which are vital for future collaboration.

The IWSA, of which Hong Kong is a corporate member, is the world's most renowned international organisation on water supply.

Also speaking at today's opening ceremony, Mr Hu Man-shiu, the Director of Water Supplies and Chairman of ASPAC Group of the IWSA, said local wisdom and foreign expertise had worked in harmony in Hong Kong to make the best use of the huge resources put in by the Government for the development of water supply infrastructure.

"Our ability to maintain an adequate, uninterrupted and high quality water supply has helped and sustained the rapid growing commercial and industrial developments in Hong Kong in the past two decades.

"Our success in overcoming our long-standing problem can be attributed to the steady and reliable supply of raw water from Guangdong, and the readiness of Hong Kong in adopting the latest experience and technology in the water supply industry developed locally and in other parts of the world," he said.

Other speakers at the opening ceremony included the President of the IWSA, Mr Pierre Giacasso; the President of the American Water Works Association, Mr Rocky Wiley; and the President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, Mr B J Stubbings.