The Deputy Director of the Drainage Services Department (DSD), Mr Ko Wing-hon, met with Legislative Councillor, Dr Yeung Sum, and four Central and Western District Councillors this morning (June 30) to discuss the recent flooding in Sheung Wan area and the implementation of short-term and long-term improvement measures.
The four District Councillors were Ms Cheng Lai-king, Mr Yuen Bun-keung, Mr Kam Nai-wai and Mr Victor Yeung.
"We had a good discussion with Dr Yeung Sum and the councillors on the way forward to mitigate flooding in the area," Mr Ko said.
"We realise the community's demand for the early implementation of the Sheung Wan Stormwater Pumping Station and other relevant drainage improvement projects in the area.
"DSD will step up the regular maintenance of the drainage system in the area including inspection of all drainage inlets in the hillsides. We are also looking into ways to speed up the long-term solutions to the flooding risks," Mr Ko added.
Regarding the long-term improvement measures, Mr Ko said that DSD would work with Central and Western District Council, Harbour-front Enhancement Committee and Town Planning Board etc. to implement the projects as soon as possible.
The flooding in the low-lying areas in Sheung Wan on June 24 was mainly caused by the extremely heavy rainfall, coupled with very high tide, a DSD spokesman said.
To tackle the flooding risks in Wing Lok Street and Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, and the vicinity, the department will start laying a one-kilometre long interceptor drain in Queens Road Central in early 2006. In late 2006, construction of a stormwater pumping station at Sheung Wan is scheduled to commence.
"The interceptor drain in Queens Road Central and the flood pond of the pumping station will be completed in early 2009, while the whole of Sheung Wan Stormwater Pumping Station will be completed at the end of 2009. The interceptor drain and the flood pond, coupled with some temporary pumping facilities, will be able to provide flood relief to this low-lying area in the 2009 rainy season, ahead of the original schedule by one rainy season," Mr Ko said.
In addition, as a long-term solution to relieve flooding in the Central and Western District, DSD will adopt fast-track measures to expedite the construction of a 10-kilometre stormwater drainage tunnel of diameter exceeding six metres in the mid-levels in mid-2007 for completion in late 2011 in order to intercept the stormwater from upper hillsides and divert it to Pok Fu Lam for discharge.
Ends/Thursday, June 30, 2005
NNNN