ENG-2010 — Page 294

240 Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation

Government has extended the voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme to water

taps.

On the management of water supply, an inter-departmental working group was set up to explore ways and means to cut down the cost of providing reclaimed water from the Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works to residents in Sheung Shui/ Fanling for toilet flushing and other non-potable uses. The Government will promote the re-use of grey water and rainwater harvesting. The option of sea water desalination will be developed further.

Water Works

The programme for the replacement and rehabilitation of aged water main comprises some 3 000 kilometres. The works of the first stage were completed in early 2010, while the second and third stages are in progress. The works of the last stage are scheduled to commence in 2011.

The works of the first contract for expanding the Tai Po Water Treatment Works and its ancillary water transfer facilities commenced in early 2010 for completion in end-2011. Design of the remaining two contracts is in progress. A design and construction consultancy for the in-situ reprovisioning of the South Works of the Sha Tin Water Treatment Works commenced in August 2010. Work is scheduled to start in mid-2012 for completion at the end of 2016.

Water Accounts and Customer Relations

The number of water consumer accounts rises to approximately 2.77 million at the end of 2010. For the greater convenience to customers, online processing of water bill payment and other matters such as change of addresses was implemented. The Water Supplies Department also continues to act as an agent for collecting sewage charges and trade effluent surcharges on behalf of the Drainage Services Department.

A voluntary Quality Water Recognition Scheme for Buildings encouraging proper maintenance of internal plumbing systems continues to receive public support. Certificates of three grades (gold, silver and blue) are now awarded to successful applicants according to the number of years of their participation in the scheme.

Construction Industry

Construction Industry Council

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) continued to make steady progress in initiatives to raise standards in the industry, including construction site safety, subcontracting, environment and technology, procurement, and manpower training and development. The CIC keeps industry stakeholders informed of the latest developments through its website at www.hkcic.org.

The Construction Industry Council Training Academy under the CIC continued to provide training and trade testing services for the construction industry.

Up to the end of 2010, 5786 applications for registration in the Voluntary Subcontractor Registration Scheme were received and 5 439 were approved.