Greening for river improvement project in Ma Wat River, Tai Po (with photos)
The Drainage Services Department (DSD) will continue to explore every opportunity for landscaping and greening in its river improvement projects to ensure that the drainage works are compatible with the surrounding natural environment.
Speaking at a planting event around Ma Wat River, Tai Po, today (April 9), the Director of Drainage Services, Mr Chan Chi-chiu, said the DSD was committed to incorporating environmental design in drainage infrastructure.
"Recognising the aspirations of the public for greening to enhance quality of life and to help protect the environment, the DSD places great emphasis on the greening of sewage treatment works, sewage or floodwater pumping facilities, and drainage channels. Landscape design is introduced to all new works as far as practicable," Mr Chan said.
"One of these examples is the 'Drainage Improvement for Ma Wat River at Kau Lung Hang' where large-scale greening work has started."
To tackle the flooding problem and to meet the community's increased expectations for better protection against flooding, the DSD has implemented in phases a number of drainage improvement projects in Tai Po district including the Ma Wat River improvement project. Costing about $170 million, this project has widened and deepened the 1.8-kilometre-long drainage channels and laid large-diameter drainage pipe crossings under the rail embankment of the Mass Transit Railway. This project has increased the drainage capacity of Ma Wat River.
To increase awareness of community greening works among young people, Mr Chan, together with the Deputy Secretary for Development (Works), Mrs Jessie Ting, Chairman of Tai Po District Council, Mr Cheung Hok-ming, Chairman of Tai Po Rural Committee, Mr Man Chun-fai, Tai Po District Officer, Mr Ivan Lee, and other guests planted trees around Ma Wat River with students from Tai Po district at today's ceremony.
The DSD is currently implementing drainage improvement works in other upstream areas such as Kau Lung Hang, Yuen Leng, Nam Wa Po, Tai Hang, Wai Tau Tsuen, Lam Tsuen and She Shan Tsuen. There will be more greening along with the substantial increase in drainage capacity in Tai Po's rural area upon completion of these drainage improvement works.
Mr Chan also expressed gratitude to Tai Po District Council, Tai Po Rural Committee, the village representatives and the villagers of Tai Po district for their support and valuable suggestions and assistance on the drainage projects.
Ends/Saturday, April 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:17
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