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The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Paul Tang, visited the Drainage Services Department this afternoon (May 3) to better understand the daily operation and services provided by the department.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Raymond Wong, Mr Tang was briefed by the Director of Drainage Services, Mr Chan Chi-chiu, and the department's directorate staff on the department's operation to gain greater insight into its work.
Mr Tang was introduced to the various aspects of the department's work including flood prevention, sewage treatment and the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS). He was impressed with the department's effort in striving to provide world-class waste water and stormwater drainage services, which have assisted in the sustainable development of Hong Kong, while at the same time improving drainage services in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.
During a subsequent tour of the largest sewage treatment works in Hong Kong, the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works (SCISTW), Mr Tang noted the essential role that the SCISTW plays in the HATS and its contribution in improving the water quality of Victoria Harbour.
Mr Tang then proceeded to the covered sedimentation tanks which remove pollutants from sewage effectively through a chemically enhanced primary treatment process. This process serves as a long-term measure to enhance odour control at the SCISTW.
Afterwards, Mr Tang also viewed from height the construction site of a new pumping station under the HATS, to see for himself the construction of a tunnel at the SCISTW which will connect the new and existing inlet pumping stations. This project aims at increasing the versatility of the operation of the two pumping stations, thereby enhancing the reliability of the HATS conveyance system.
Before concluding his visit, Mr Tang chatted with staff representatives from various grades at a tea reception. He said he greatly appreciated colleagues' efforts and encouraged them to continue providing professional and high-quality services to the public.
Ends/Friday, May 3, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:10
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