Flooding risks to reduce in Sha Tin and Tai Po (22/1/1998)

The Drainage Services Department has commissioned a consultancy study to recommend ways to improve the stormwater drainage systems in Sha Tin and Tai Po.

Speaking after signing an agreement with Binnie Consultants Limited today (Thursday), the Assistant Director of Drainage Services (Operations and Maintenance), Mr Raymond Cheung Tat-kwing, said the study would recommend both short and long-term measures to reduce flooding risks in the area.

"Short-term measures involving minor improvement works will be carried out as soon as possible to provide immediate relief for localised flooding problem," Mr Cheung said.

"Long-term improvement measures will involve the upgrading and extension of the existing systems. They will be put in place from the year 2002 to take account of future developments in the two districts," he added.

The study will examine the existing stormwater drainage system in Ma On Shan, Sha Tin and Tai Po in a comprehensive manner.

Closed-circuit televisions and manhole surveys will be used to examine and assess the conditions and adequacies of the existing system. It will also develop a computerised asset management system to facilitate future planning, management and operation of the drainage system.

The study will be completed in 21 months at a cost of $9.18 million.

It is the sixth of a series of seven Drainage Master Plan (DMP) studies covering all floor prone areas in the territory. Their recommendations will form the basis for future upgrading and improvement of the drainage systems.

The first DMP study began in January 1996. All the studies are scheduled for completion before the end of 1999.

End/Thursday, January 22, 1998