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Planning, Land and Infrastructure

Water Storage and Consumption

Full supply was maintained throughout the year, during which the territory recorded 2,163mm of rainfall. Storage reservoirs held some 413 million cubic metres of water at the end of 2018.

There were about three million water customer accounts as at the year end. Some 1,013 million cubic metres of fresh water was consumed in 2018, with an average daily supply of about 2.78 million cubic metres. Another 279 million cubic metres of sea water was supplied for toilet flushing.

Total Water Management

The government manages water demand and supply in an integrated, multisectoral and sustainable manner under its Total Water Management strategy. It contains growth in water demand through water conservation measures, which include running Cherish Water Campus, an educational programme for primary schools and kindergartens; installing flow controllers in public housing estates, schools and government buildings; and mandating the use of water- saving devices registered under the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme in new plumbing works.

In May, tenders were invited for the 'design, build and operate' contract for the first stage of a proposed desalination plant in Tseung Kwan O. Funding is expected to receive Legislative Council approval in 2019. Infrastructural works to supply reclaimed water to the north-eastern New Territories for non-potable uses are also in progress. A public consultation for the supply and use of recycled water, including reclaimed water, was completed in December and the feedback was supportive. Preparation work for the associated legislation would proceed.

Water Works

The expansion of Tai Po Water Treatment Works and its ancillary water transfer facilities were substantially completed in December 2018, while the main works for the in situ reprovisioning of Sha Tin Water Treatment Works (South Works) are targeted to begin in early 2020.

Construction Industry

Construction Industry Council

The Construction Industry Council supports the development of the construction industry, in particular by training construction workers. In 2018, the council established the Hong Kong Institute of Construction, offering well-structured and advanced programmes accredited under the Qualifications Framework to attract more young talent, train more high-calibre and professional construction practitioners and provide them with clear career paths.

The Designated Workers for Designated Skills requirement under the Construction Workers Registration Ordinance requires that works on construction sites must be carried out by registered skilled or semi-skilled workers of the relevant trade. The compliance situation is satisfactory.

In October, the government launched the $1 billion Construction Innovation and Technology Fund to encourage wider adoption of innovative technology to boost productivity, uplift build

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