DSD holds open days to celebrate 30 years of groundwork (with photo)
The Drainage Services Department (DSD) is holding open days at Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works today (January 19) and tomorrow (January 20). Under this year’s theme, “30 Years of Groundwork, Embracing a New Age”, the event features various activities such as thematic exhibitions and guided tours with the aim of enhancing public understanding of the department’s development and efforts over the years, as well as the work done in combating and mitigating climate change.
Speaking at the opening ceremony today (January 19), the Director of Drainage Services, Mr Edwin Tong, said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the DSD’s establishment. The department is committed to providing professional sewage treatment and stormwater drainage services to the public.
He said, “We adopted a three-pronged strategy in flood prevention i.e. stormwater interception at upstream, flood storage at mid-stream and drainage improvement at downstream, and eliminated 125 flooding blackspots over the years. There remain only six flooding blackspots in Hong Kong. In respect of sewage treatment, the largest sewage treatment infrastructure project, the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS), was completed in 2015. With the water quality of Victoria Harbour greatly improved, the Harbour Race was resumed in 2011 and in 2017 it followed its original race route of some 40 years ago.
“Looking forward, the DSD not only has to tackle the challenges brought by climate change and continue to enhance the drainage facilities, but will also carry out pipe rehabilitation, river revitalisation and relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to caverns to vacate land for more suitable purposes to cope with the overall development of Hong Kong.”
Along with the theme for this year the DSD introduced its “4Rs” at the open days. The first “R” stands for reviewing the achievements in flood prevention and sewage treatment of the DSD over 30 years, while the other three “R”s represent the iconic future projects of the department, namely river revitalisation, rehabilitation and relocation of Shatin Sewage Treatment Works to caverns.
A prize presentation ceremony for the Manhole Cover Design Competition is also being held during the open days. With the theme of “4Rs”, the competition received an overwhelming response with more than 1 400 designs received. All entries are on display to the public during the open days.
The department continued to organise the Blue Green Ambassador Programme this year, with a view to deepening students’ knowledge of the work of the DSD and the importance of environmental protection. Among the some 200 ambassadors recruited, 24 were selected as docents for the open days.
Other highlights include stage performances, game booths, a kids fun area and a parent-child planting activity. Members of the public are welcome to join the wide range of entertaining and educational programmes. Admission to and activities at the open days are free of charge.
Free shuttle bus services are provided at the following locations from 9.15am to 4pm at intervals of 10-15 minutes:
* Pick-up/drop-off area near MTR University Station Exit B bus terminus
* Pick-up/drop-off area at Pai Tau Street near MTR Sha Tin Station Exit B
More information is available at the department’s website (www.dsd.gov.hk).
