Operation and Maintenance of the Drainage System

The volume of sewage treated by the department has increased from 385
million cubic metres in 1989 to 750 million cubic metres in 1997, of which
150 million cubic metres received full biological treatment. This was
handled by 137 sewage pumping stations and 77 sewage treatment plants
throughout Hong Kong.

Since the establishment of the department, the approach to the operation
and maintenance of the public drainage system has progressively shifted
from crisis management to preventive maintenance. The efficient
maintenance of the drainage infrastructure is essential to ensure the proper
and effective disposal of waste and storm water, and to prevent blockages
and leaks which cause bad odours, flooding and other nuisances to the
public.

The department maintained more than 3 000 kilometres of watercourses,
drains and sewers in 1997. Some 45 000 clearance exercises were carried
out to remove more than 25 000 cubic metres of silt from drains and
watercourses, to keep them free-flowing and their pollution level low.
A 24-hour hotline service operated to receive complaints on blocked
drains and sewers.

The department also operated an Emergency and Storm Damage
Organisation. It was run by staff on a rotational basis, supported by the
department's own labour force and contractors. Its operation ensured that
emergency situations were dealt with efficiently. Recurrent expenditure on
operations and maintenance in 1997 was $1.15 billion. This sum is
increasing steadily as more and more sewerage infrastructure is completed
and taken over for maintenance.

 

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