Drainage Services Department

The Drainage Services Department has published its Environmental, Social and Governance Report 2024-25

"The Drainage Services Department Environmental, Social and Governance Report 2024-25" has been published. Under the theme of "Pioneering Innovation, Converging for a New Journey", the report summarises our performance in environmental, social, and governance aspects, as well as its sustainability efforts, during the period of 2024-25 (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025). Welcome to access the latest report from the link below :

《DSD Environmental, Social and Governance Report 2024-25》

Director's Statement of the Report is as follows:

Over the past 35 years, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) has shouldered the vital responsibility of safeguarding the city and its residents. Since our establishment in 1989, we have journeyed alongside Hong Kong through eras of rapid development intertwined with climate challenges. From the construction of flood prevention infrastructure to the modernization of sewage treatment systems, we have continuously strengthened the city's infrastructure, improved the living environment and advanced sustainable development. With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events — including rainstorms, and storm surges, the importance of our mission in mitigating flood risks and upkeeping climate-resilient facilities has never been more evident. As we mark our 35th anniversary, we also reflect on our journey of professionalism and commitment, while looking ahead to pioneer innovative approaches and to build a more resilient and liveable tomorrow for Hong Kong.

The past year has been exceptionally challenging. Beyond managing, operating, and maintaining our daily stormwater and sewerage systems, we also advanced numerous large‑scale and complex infrastructure projects, while responding to emergencies triggered by increasingly frequent extreme weather. Despite these hurdles, we have embraced innovation and remained steadfast in our duties, always protecting our city with a people-centred approach.

Charting the Blueprint, Steering the Direction

We have formulated the Integrated Flood Management Strategy, a forward‑looking, holistic, and multi‑pronged blueprint to address flood risks posed by extreme weather and to continuously strengthen Hong Kong's adaptability and resilience. It encompasses three core directions: Adaptation, Resilience and Management, guiding flood prevention effort with a systematic mindset to build a safer, more sustainable future for Hong Kong.

With the aim of elevating our service standards and embarking on a new journey, we plan to renew the Vision and Mission. Our Vision is to leverage innovation and technology to deliver world‑class wastewater and stormwater drainage services, driving Hong Kong toward becoming a future-ready and climate‑resilient city, while equipping the department to meet diverse emerging challenges. The DSD has consistently embraced innovation and technology, embedding them profoundly into our Vision and Mission Statements to articulate a clear blueprint for future development. Looking ahead, we will prioritize nuturing an outstanding team, fostering collaboration, and making every resource count in support of Hong Kong's sustainable development. We are confident that the new Vision and Mission will enable us to overcome challenges head-on, strive for excellence, and contribute to a better living environment for the public.

Passing on Traditions, Laying the City's Foundations

Drainage infrastructure constitutes the urban pulse and serves as an essential shield for the city. Over the past year, the department has completed and advanced milestone works such as the revitalization of Tsui Ping River. By removing flood bottlenecks, rebuilding riverside walkways and cross-river footbridges, and installing a smart water gate, the project not only strengthens the drainage capacity but also creates vibrant green riverside spaces for residents. Flood prevention and stormwater works are advancing across districts, with upgraded drainage systems and the strategies of stormwater interception, rainwater storage, and drainage improvements, so as to reinforce urban resilience.

In sewage treatment, the department is undertaking major long‑term projects. The relocation of the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to Caverns will resolve the aging problem of facilities and also release valuable land resources. Expansion works at the Yuen Long Effluent Polishing Plant and Shek Wu Hui Effluent Polishing Plant have also commenced, supporting new development in the New Territories and ensuring improved water quality and environmental standards for the community.

Embracing Innovation, Striving for Excellence

With a firm belief that technology is the engine of progress, we actively adopted Building Information Modelling (BIM), the Virtual Construction Safety Assistant, an artificial intelligence flood detection and monitoring system, and inspection robots, enabling more precise planning, more efficient management, and better use of resources.

In research and innovation, all six entries submitted by the Department to the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva received awards, including two gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. “The Territorywide Sewage Surveillance Programme” was awarded with the Gold Award of the 2024 International Water Association (IWA) Project Innovation Awards, recognizing our effort on public health. In addition, projects such as the Yuen Long Effluent Polishing Plant, Kwun Tong Sewage Pumping Station, and Sha Tau Kok Sewage Treatment Works have won multiple professional awards, further proving the strength of integrating profession and innovation to propel sustainable development.

Connecting the Community, Building Inclusivity

Drainage services are not only about infrastructure and technology; they are also closely connected to the lives of citizens. To mark our 35^th anniversary, we hosted an Open Day at the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works under the theme “Drainage Services by Technologies”, attracting over 20,000 participants. Through interactive exhibitions, guided tours, and educational activities, the public experienced the application of innovative technologies in stormwater and sewage treatment. These efforts promoted sustainable development while strengthening public trust and support for our work.

The Department also enhances transparency through public engagement, annual media briefing, and interviews with local and international media, strengthening mutual trust and understanding of flood resilience and sustainable development.

Conclusion

Over the past thirty‑five years, the DSD has safeguarded urban safety with professionalism, continually striving for excellence in engineering, technology, and community engagement. These efforts have enabled Hong Kong to move forward steadily through challenges and to build resilience in times of change.

Looking ahead, the Department will uphold its professionalism, keep pace with the times, embrace collaboration, and seek new knowledge to chart broader horizons. As reflected in our anniversary theme —”35 Years of Purity, Building a Blue-Green Tomorrow”, we will continue to work hand‑in‑hand with all sectors of society to create a stronger, more liveable, and more resilient Hong Kong.

"The Drainage Services Department Environmental, Social and Governance Report 2024-25"