1976-1977 — Page 113

9.02

The majority of engineering works, including maintenance works, are carried out by contract, a small direct labour force being used to deal with urgent drainage faults and for minor road repairs. Consulting Engineers are engaged on a number of projects as a consequence of staff shortages in the Office or because of their specialised expertise.

9.03

Good progress was maintained on almost all engineering projects. The Capital Works expenditure for the year on all highways projects including those for client departments amounted to $203.11 million, while $56.44 million was spent on maintenance, minor improvements, storm damage repairs and works executed on private account.

9.04

The Office maintains a 24-hour skeleton organis- ation throughout the year to deal with any emergencies that may arise affecting public roads and drains and, when required and within the resources of the Office, to provide assistance to other organisations. This emergency organis- ation is reinforced during the wet season and is readily expanded as necessary to handle any typhoon and rainstorm damage or other natural disaster. A 24-hour standby duty is also maintained by the sewer gangs to attend to emergency calls from the public to clear choked drains.

9.05

Senior officers continued to serve on or attend the following inter-departmental committees:-

Committee

Transport Advisory Committee

Building Construction and

Civil Engineering Metrication Sub-Committee

Traffic and Transport Survey

Division Priorities Committee

Steering Committee on

Waterborne Transport

Representative(s)

Government Highway Engineer (Traffic and Transport)

Technical Secretary

Government Highway Engineer (Traffic and Transport)

Chief Engineer, Traffic and

Transport Survey

Chief Engineer, Traffic

Engineering (Hong Kong)

Chief Engineer, Traffic

Engineering (Mainland) Senior Engineer, (Traffic

and Transport Survey Division)

Government Highway Engineer (Traffic and Transport)

103