ENG-1981 — Page 221

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PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

water was consumed, compared with 508 million cubic metres in 1980. In addition, 84 million cubic metres of salt water for flushing were supplied, eight per cent more than in 1980.

During the year, investigation and design for the reception and distribution systems for future increases in the water supply from China was completed and work started for most of the supply and construction of essential components. Planning studies were completed on improvement of water supplies to Shek O, Aberdeen, North Point, Tai Po and Sai Kung; on increasing the capacities of Tuen Mun Treatment Works and the principal distribution mains supplying Yuen Long, Pat Heung, Shek Kong and San Tin areas; and the introduction of a new cross-harbour submarine main between the Kowloon peninsula and Hong Kong Island. Other studies in hand included those for the improvement of water supplies to Chai Wan, Shau Kei Wan, Quarry Bay and Tsuen Wan; new treatment works at Sai Kung and Au Tau; and for interim water supplies to Junk Bay and Ma On Shan.

Design and construction work progressed satisfactorily on the new supply system for Sha Tin, Tuen Mun and Tsuen Wan new towns, together with those for the Tai Po Industrial Estate, Yuen Long and Tsing Yi. On Hong Kong Island, works continued on the im- provement of the water supply to Pok Fu Lam, Wong Chuk Hang, Stanley and Repulse Bay. In the New Territories, works were in hand to improve the supplies to Sheung Shui, Sai Kung, Tai O, Cheung Chau and Cheung Sha. Construction work on the new tunnel and pipeline system, for the East River Scheme, also progressed well.

The computerised water billing and information system was successfully implemented in June, with the transfer of all domestic and other consumers accounts to the system being completed.

Electricity

Hong Kong Island and the neighbouring islands of Ap Lei Chau and Lamma are supplied with electricity by the Hongkong Electric Company Limited, while Kowloon and the New Territories - including Lantau and a number of outlying islands - receive supplies from the China Light and Power Company Limited. The island of Cheung Chau is served by the Cheung Chau Electric Company Limited. The three companies are investor-owned and do not operate under franchise. However, the government does exercise a measure of control over the tariff charges and profit of the two main undertakings.

The Hongkong Electric Company's (HEC) Ap Lei Chau Power Station has two 60 MW and seven 125 MW units in operation, bringing the total generating capacity of the station to 1 061 MW including the two gas turbines of 11 MW and 55 MW installed for emergency purposes. All units are oil fired.

The transmission system operates at 132 kV and 66 kV, whereas distribution is effected mainly at 11 kV and 346 volts. With the exception of a few short lengths of 132 kV overhead transmission lines, the transmission and distribution system is all underground.

The electricity supply is alternating current at 50 hertz, 200 volts (single phase) and 346/200 volts (three-phase).

In order to cater for the rising demand for electricity, a new power station is being constructed on Lamma Island. The station will initially house two 250 MW generating sets; the first will be fully operational in 1982, and the second in early 1983. The significant feature of the project is that the generators will be capable of being fired by either oil or coal. It is anticipated that the first two units will fire 100 per cent coal, with an oil firing facility for start-up and stand-by. Power will be transmitted via underground and submarine cables at 275 kV to Hong Kong Island.