Drainage works to alleviate Sheung Wan flooding (with photos)
The Drainage Services Department today (September 17) signed an $81 million contract to improve the drainage system in the northern part of Hong Kong Island, including the construction of the main structure, electrical and mechanical as well as landscaping works for the Sheung Wan Stormwater Pumping Station.
The contract comprises the construction of an underground stormwater storage tank of 9000 cubic metres capacity and the superstructures of a pumphouse structure and electrical and mechanical works. The site above the storage tank and the adjacent land will be reinstated as an open space. The Drainage Services Department will plant 110 trees and 20,000 shrubs within the open area.
The Assistant Director of Drainage Services , Mr Tsui Wai, said after the contract signing that this was the third and the last drainage improvement contract awarded by Drainage Services Department to alleviate the flooding problem in the low-lying areas of Sheung Wan.
"Upon completion of the whole drainage improvement project in October, 2009, the flood protection level in the low-lying areas in Sheung Wan would be raised to one in 50 years compared to the current one in two years," he said.
"The first drainage improvement contract in Sheung Wan involves construction of 660 metres of intercepting drains at Queen's Road, Central. It is likely that the intercepting drains could be completed by June, 2008, four months ahead of schedule. Completion of the intercepting drains would bring about progressive improvement to the flooding risk in the Sheung Wan low-lying areas."
"The second drainage improvement contract in Sheung Wan involves foundation works for the Sheung Wan stormwater pumping station and the construction is on schedule. It is expected that the underground stormwater storage tank will be operational in the wet season of 2009 to drain stormwater away from the Sheung Wan low-lying areas," Mr Tsui said.
Before completion of the stormwater pumping station, the department will continue to step up the inspection and clearance of drains in the area. A "Flood Watch" message will be sent to alert residents and shop operators when flooding is likely to occur. Under severe weather conditions, an emergency team will also be mobilised to carry out the clearance of drains.
On the completion of the project in October, 2009, the open space will be handed over to Leisure and Cultural Services Department and opened to public.
Today's contract was awarded to Penta-Ocean Construction Company Limited.
Ends/Monday, September 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:43
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