Works (With photo)
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The Mayor of Shenzhen, Mr Xu Zongheng, accompanied by the Director of Drainage Services, Mr Lai Fuk-kan, visited the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works this afternoon (September 6) to see the work on sewage treatment in Hong Kong.
Mr Lai briefed Mr Xu and members of his delegation on the operation of the treatment works - one of the world・s most compact and efficient chemically enhanced primary treatment plants with the largest treatment capacity in Hong Kong.
Joining the tour were Head of Hong Kong Guangdong Co-operation Coordination Unit, Mr Ho Kin-wah and the Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong, Mr Leung Pak-yan.
Mr Lai explained to the delegation the two major areas of the department・s responsibilities were sewage treatment and flood prevention.
：We are dedicated to implementing the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme Stage 2 and improving the sewerage systems in other areas, to protect the water quality of the Victoria Harbour and other surrounding waters.
：By early next year, Hong Kong・s first tertiary sewage treatment works at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, will be fully operational. The treated effluent from the plant will be used as flushing water in nearby public toilets as a pilot scheme for the development of reclaimed water,； Mr Lai said.
The Drainage Services Department has been working closely with Shenzhen authorities on the improvement works of Shenzhen River Regulation Project in recent years and has produced fruitful results.
Mr Lai expected that the flooding problem on both sides of the Shenzhen River would be substantially alleviated after completion of the Stage III project next year.
He hoped there would be more opportunities for exchange of ideas and experience with the Shenzhen authorities.
The Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works is now treating about 1.4 million cubic metres per day, which is half the sewage generated by the population in Hong Kong.
Ends/Tuesday, September 6, 2005
Issued at HKT 19:02
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