ENG-1976 — Page 200

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PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

Although construction and testing was completed, numerous technical problems remained to be solved. As it is expected that the output from the desalter over the next year will be limited, enquiries were made regarding the most suitable method of 'mothballing' the plant. Unfortunately there is little experience elsewhere on which to draw and no worthwhile assistance or advice was obtained. The extensive system of corrosion monitoring equipment, installed on the advice of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority's consultants, gave valuable data on plant operating con- ditions. This enabled the chemists to improve control of the brine chemistry, so reducing corrosion within the plant. Contact with manufacturers and others in the desalting field overseas was maintained with a view to keeping abreast of the latest developments in desalting technology.

In addition to the major water schemes, work continued on other projects to meet increasing demand in existing and new areas of development—including new towns and market towns. Work began towards the end of the year on a $35 million scheme for improvement in water supply to the Yuen Long district, mainly to cater for various new development projects. Construction work for new water supply systems for Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun new towns progressed steadily, keeping pace with the general development programme. Planning was completed for water supplies to the Tai Po public housing development and the Tseng Lan Shue and Fei Ngo Shan areas, and for improvement to the system supplying Sai Kung town. On Hong Kong Island, work to improve the water supply in Pok Fu Lam area was slower than expected because of delays on the part of the contractor. Work was begun to improve the salt water flushing system for the Mid-Levels district.

Detailed studies and examinations were continued to ensure the safety of reser- voirs, and remedial works were put in hand at some of the older dams.

A project manager was appointed for the computerisation of water billing and related procedures, and a package system from a firm of consultants was accepted. Preparation of the basic data for conversion of trade accounts was in hand. Improve- ments in consumer services continued to be hampered by shortage of support staff to deal with the continually increasing number of consumers, now exceeding 730,000.

Drainage and Anti-pollution Projects

Sewage from the urban areas is generally collected by a separate system of sewers and, in most cases, is discharged into the sea via submarine outfalls after preliminary treatment to remove offensive solids. During the year a submarine outfall was com- pleted at Aberdeen and new sewers were laid in Chai Wan and Sham Shui Po. Work was begun on the construction of submarine outfalls at Kwai Chung and Repulse Bay.

At the Shek Wu Hui pilot sewage treatment plant, experimental work to assess the suitability of various sewage treatment methods was in the final stage. The con- struction of new sewage treatment works at Tai Po, Yuen Long and Aberdeen was under way. Consulting engineers were engaged to proceed with the design of the first stage of sewage treatment and disposal works for northwest Kowloon and with the construction of an interim treatment plant to serve Sha Tin new town. Contracts