TNAG-0740-FCO40-944-Quarterly-progress-reports-from-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 124

Part I

Subject

Purpose

9 Decision on Second (a) To establish and follow a

Desalter and other

potential water

resources

CR 10/4576/76

CR 13/3220/76

CR 1/4691/76)

sequence of action leading to a decision by December 1977 on whether a feasibility study for an additional desalting plant should be undertaken and, by 1979, whether tenders for construction should be called.

(b) To undertake pilot tests and

other studies to establish by 1980 the feasibility of developing other potential water resources,

including

water reclamation, reverse osmosis and the development of Tolo Harbour as a fresh water

resources,

(c) To seek more water from China,

preferrably on a longer term basis than the present year to year agreement.

Progress Made & Present Position

(a) On 9th May 1978, having considered

memorandum XCC(78) Executive Council agreed that a decision on joint production of water and electricity should be deferred for approximately 2 years so that a proper evaluation may be made of the other potential water resources, including water reclamation, reverse osmosis and the development of Tolo Harbour as a fresh water resource. Executive Council also approved a programme of research and feasibilities studies into the other potential water resources described above. Funds have since been approved by the Finance Committee for the research and feasibility studies. A firm of consulting engineers has been engaged to advise on the feasibility of the Tolo Harbour proposal. Other studies are being carried out by the Water Supplies Department.

(b) The Chinese authorities have been

approached (through the NCNA) with :- (i) a request to provide more water

as from September 1979; and (ii) an indication that we may make an approach for yet larger supplies in the 1980s, preferably guaranteed on a longer term

basis.

Next Quarter Targets

(a) To continue with

the studies in hand.

(b) To monitor the

progress of the consulting engineers in their feasibility studies for Tolo Harbour.

(c) To await the Chinese

response.