3.29 In giving effect to its responsibilities, officers are consistently reminded that, except in survey and mapping which are based on an exact science, the work of the office is often a matter of choice—to make land available for one purpose is to restrict its availability for another; to deploy staff on one aspect is to delay action on another. In such circumstances, the establishment and maintenance of appropriate priorities and standards in the rapidly growing and volatile economy of Hong Kong is vital to the well-being of the community and makes heavy demands on the experience and judgment of senior staff.
The Need
WATER
3.30 The demand for fresh water for domestic, industrial, and commercial purposes has risen from 25 million gallons per day in 1946 to 167 million gallons per day in 1970, an average increase of about 7.1% compound per year. A review on the probable future increase in demand was made in 1970, and it was estimated that the growth rate would be of the order of 8% per annum over the next ten years. These figures indicate the need for planning so that the necessary resources (such as storage reservoirs and desalting plants) can be developed and the associated treatment works, pumping stations, pipelines, service reservoirs, and distribution systems can be built to satisfy the demand for water.
3.31 The variability in the rainfall into and the volume of storage and size of catchment areas of the sixteen reservoirs, which at present provide Hong Kong's fresh water supply, impose a need to plan the various draw-offs so that they match the capacity of each source to supply water.
The Machinery
3.32 In the early post-war years, staff was scarce, and the need for work obvious. There was no specific planning section in the Waterworks Office. Much of the thought on where new works were needed was done personally by the head of the office. As the organization grew, and planning became more complex, a single planning officer was appointed in 1965, and planning is now controlled by a Chief Engineer with a staff of 4 or 5 engineers. This Planning Division prepares outline proposals for new water supply schemes for proposed developments throughout the Colony and also for revision of requirements in existing developments.
Page 28
3.29 In giving effect to its responsibilities, officers are consistently reminded that, except in survey and mapping which are based on an exact science, the work of the office is often a matter of choice-to make land available for one purpose is to restrict its availability for another; to deploy staff on one aspect is to delay action on another. In such circumstances, the establishment and maintenance of appropriate priorities and standards in the rapidly growing and volatile economy of Hong Kong is vital to the well being of the community and makes heavy demands on the experience and judgment of senior staff.
The Need
WATER
3.30 The demand for fresh water for domestic, industrial and com- mercial purposes has risen from 25 million gallons per day in 1946 to 167 million gallons per day in 1970, an average increase of about 71% compound per year. A review on the probable future increase in demand was made in 1970, and it was estimated that the growth rate would be of the order of 8% per annum over the next ten years. These figures indicate the need for planning so that the necessary resources (such as storage reservoirs and desalting plants) can be developed and the associated treatment works, pumping stations, pipelines, service re- servoirs and distribution systems can be built to satisfy the demand for
water.
3.31 The variability in the rainfall into and the volume of storage and size of catchment areas of the sixteen reservoirs, which at present provide Hong Kong's fresh water supply, impose a need to plan the various draw-offs so that they match the capacity of each source to supply water.
The Machinery
3.32 In the early post-war years, staff was scarce, and the need for work obvious. There was no specific planning section in the Waterworks Office. Much of the thought on where new works were needed was done personally by the head of the office. As the organization grew, and planning became more complex, a single planning officer was appointed in 1965, and planning is now controlled by a Chief Engineer with a staff of 4 or 5 engineers. This Planning Division prepares outline pro- posals for new water supply schemes for proposed developments throughout the Colony and also for revision of requirements in existing developments.
28
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.