ENG-1963 — Page 314

PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

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new towns such as Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung and Shek Wu Hui, to divert stream-courses and facilitate drainage.

The plan to reduce the risk of future flooding in Yuen Long is being implemented. Construction of new culverts and the realign- ment of existing stream-courses are being carried out for three of the six stages. Similar plans for flood control in other vulnerable areas of the New Territories, in particular the River Indus basin, are also being prepared. Improvements to the drainage and sewer- age systems of small communities in outlying areas like Sai Kung, Peng Chau, Cheung Chau and Sha Tau Kok were undertaken during the year. The sanitary condition in these places will be much improved once the works are completed.

Port Works. On Hong Kong Island work continued on the central reclamation scheme, which will eventually link the reclama- tion already carried out for the Star Ferry piers with the completed section of reclamation at Rumsey Street. To replace Blake Pier, work was well advanced on a large new public pier which will be approximately 585 feet long. West of the present vehicle ferry pier, a temporary vehicle ferry berth was constructed, so that there are now three berths in action in the vicinity, and construction was also well advanced on a new pier for inside harbour ferry services to replace the present berths at Jubilee Street, which will be enclosed by the reclamation. Filling continued on both sections of the reclamation; about four acres have now been reclaimed and 870 feet of seawall constructed. At North Point a new passenger ferry pier was completed and 'brought into use for services to Kowloon City and Hung Hom. Work on new vehicle ferry piers at North Point and Ma Tau Kok continued.

The first stage of the large development scheme for Aberdeen continued at the western end of Aberdeen harbour with the re- claiming of about five acres, the commencing of a seawall and the construction of foundations for a breakwater to provide pro- tection against westerly gales. After the breakwater has been com- pleted a reclamation is planned to connect Hong Kong and Ap Lei Chau Island and so provide much needed land for develop- ment. Breakwaters are also planned for the southern channel into Aberdeen to form a further typhoon shelter on the eastern side of the town.