ENG-2005 — Page 289

Land, Public Works and Utilities 243

In West Kowloon, the construction of the large flood storage tank underneath Tai Hang Tung Recreation Ground and the stormwater transfer tunnel from Kowloon Tong to Kai Tak Nullah, were completed. The Stage III works, which include the laying of about 12 kilometres of stormwater drains in Yau Ma Tei, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Tong and Yau Yat Tsuen, are due to be finished in 2007. On completion, the flood risks in West Kowloon will be substantially reduced. Implementation of the Lai Chi Kok Transfer Scheme is being planned to further raise the flood protection level in Lai Chi Kok, Cheung Sha Wan and Sham Shui Po to the required standard.

Serious flooding was recorded in Hong Kong North in past rainy seasons. The department is planning to build the Hong Kong West Drainage Tunnel, which consists of a 6.25 metre diameter section of 4.5 kilometres from Tai Hang to Aberdeen, and a 7.25 metre diameter section of 6 kilometres from Aberdeen to Pok Fu Lam. It includes a total of 36 flow intakes for intercepting flows from the upper catchments for discharge into the sea at Pok Fu Lam. This tunnel will help reduce the flood risks. at the lower catchments and hence the hazard of overland flows down steep roads in Mid-Levels and the scale of the online drainage improvement works in the lower catchments. Preliminary design and investigation consultancy work is close to completion, while detailed design and construction will be awarded soon.

The department has completed eight Drainage Master Plan Studies since 1994 to review the condition and performance of the existing stormwater drainage systems in various flood-prone areas throughout Hong Kong. In view of current and future development needs, further packages of improvement works with greater focus on the secondary drainage networks have been included in the Public Works Programme and are at different stages of planning, design and construction.

Under a preventive maintenance programme, the public drainage system is regularly inspected and desilted before and during the rainy seasons to ensure that stormwater is discharged.

In 2005, the department maintained 2 537 kilometres of watercourses, river channels and drains, from which 40 077 cubic metres of silt were removed.

The importance of flood prevention is promoted through various public education activities. Promotional pamphlets and advisory notes are distributed to villagers and property management offices before the rainy season. In addition, the department has received students at the San Tin Flood Prevention Information Centre and organised site visits for district councillors and the media to promote their understanding of the department's work and thereby enhance public awareness of flood prevention.

Civil Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering

The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) manages a comprehensive slope safety system, which has brought about a substantial improvement in the safety of slopes in Hong Kong. This has been achieved by improving slope safety standards and technology, ensuring the safety of new slopes,