The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, today (January 15) toured the Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme and spoke highly of work of the Drainage Services Department (DSD) in strengthening flood prevention for Happy Valley and Wan Chai areas.

     Accompanied by the Director of Drainage Services, Mr Edwin Tong, Mr Cheung inspected various facilities, including the underground stormwater storage tank, the control room, as well as the pump house and the green slope enveloping it. He was also briefed by Mr Tong on the project background.

     Mr Cheung was pleased to learn that the stormwater storage tank played a vital role in preventing Happy Valley Recreation Ground and the Racecourse from flooding during the black rainstorm in October 2016 after its commissioning in March 2015 and the attack by Typhoon Hato in August 2017 when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 10 was hoisted.

     He was also glad to know that the Scheme enhanced flood prevention capacity and at the same time created green recreation area for the public.

     The Scheme was brought into full commission in March last year, about a year ahead of schedule. Coupled with other cost-saving measures, its construction cost was reduced by $90 million or about 8 per cent of the final target cost.

     He praised the professionalism of DSD officers by developing world-class wastewater and stormwater drainage infrastructure economically and environmentally and thereby contributing significantly the sustainable development of Hong Kong.

     The storm water tank is equipped with a smart water gate which was introduced to Hong Kong for the first time to monitor real time the water level within the drainage system and the tide level at the outfall of the downstream system in the district. Stormwater will be stored temporarily in the stormwater storage tank that has a capacity of 60 000 cubic metres or about the total volume of 24 standard swimming pools to relieve the discharge load of the downstream drainage system and thereby reducing flooding risks.

     The annual maximum amount of groundwater and rainwater that can be treated by the water harvesting system is about 220 000 cubic metres, which is equivalent to the total volume of about 88 standard swimming pools. The groundwater and rainwater harvested is mainly used for irrigation, cleaning and flushing purposes.

     The approved project estimate is $1.07 billion. The project commenced in September 2012 and was brought into full commission in March last year.

Ends/Monday, January 15, 2018
Issued at HKT 21:50

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