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"These include new sewers being laid over the entire territory under the sewerage master plans and new sewage treatment facilities in Pokfulam, Sham Tseng and Lantau Island.

"On completion of the $9.4 billion High Priority Programme, wastewater from arcas around Victoria Harbour will be collected and conveyed through a network of deep tunnels to the Stonecutters Island sewage treatment works for chemical treatment before discharging through a long submarine outfall into the sea," he said.

Turning to flood protection, Mr Collier said major drainage works were being carried out in the New Territories to build up a comprehensive river channel system for carrying away flood water to the sea.

These works include training by stages of Shenzhen River, Indus River and Beas River in the northern areas, and the on-going training of Shan Pui River and Kam Tin River in the north-western part.

"Upon completion by 2002, they will bring significant relief to the flooding problem in the New Territories," Mr Collier said.

To augment the main river training project, village flood protection schemes are being completed.

"They typically comprise earth bunds around the villages to protect them from flood water overflowing the river banks, and a flood pumping station to pump away the surface runoff collection within the villages.

"Fifteen schemes are currently in operation with another 12 schemes under construction, planning and design.

"Other short term measures include local drainage improvement works, maintenance activities to identify and remove drain blockage, and surveillance activities to ensure that the integrity of the drainage system is preserved," he added.

Looking ahead, Mr Collier said one of the department's major initiatives this year was to carry out the Drainage Master Planning Studies.

"The studies will review the condition and performance of the existing stormwater drainage system, and provide a comprehensive and prioritised programme for upgrading the stormwater drainage system to meet the present and future development needs," he said.