ENG-2015 — Page 248

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Planning, Land and Infrastructure

The average daily supply of fresh water in 2015 was about 2.66 million cubic metres. Some 973 million cubic metres of fresh water was consumed and around 272 million cubic metres of sea water was supplied for toilet flushing.

Total Water Management

The government's Total Water Management strategy aims to manage water demand and supply in an integrated, multisectoral and sustainable manner. In 2015, the government continued to promote water conservation, including launching an integrated education programme on water conservation for primary schools and installing flow controllers in public housing estates, schools and government buildings.

The government started a consultancy study on the investigation review, design and construction of the first stage of a proposed desalination plant in Tseung Kwan O. It also began the design of infrastructure works for reclaimed water supply to the northeastern New Territories for non-potable uses. A consultancy study of reviewing the Total Water Management strategy continued.

Water Works

A replacement and rehabilitation programme, which involves some 3,000km of aged water mains, has considerably reduced the number of mains bursts from around 2,500 cases in 2000 to about 145 in 2015. The leakage rate has also been significantly lowered from 25 per cent in 2001 to 15 per cent in 2015. The entire works programme was substantially completed at the end of 2015.

Works to expand Tai Po Water Treatment Works and its ancillary water transfer facilities are continuing. Advance work for the in situ reprovisioning of the South Works of the Sha Tin Water Treatment Works started in October 2015, with targeted overall project completion in early 2023.

Water Accounts and Customer Relations

The number of water consumer accounts rose to about 2.9 million at the end of 2015.

The Water Supplies Department is among the first batch of government bodies providing a Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment Service, which is a one-stop platform launched by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority for users to receive, manage and schedule payments for electronic bills through internet banking accounts. The service began in September.

Construction Industry

Construction Industry Council

The Construction Industry Council continued implementing initiatives to raise standards in the industry, including construction site safety, subcontracting, environment and technology, procurement, and manpower training and development. The council's training centres provide training and trade testing services for the industry.

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