Hong Kong strives for sustainable management of water resources
Jun 30, 2009
Hong Kong would spare no effort in conserving precious water resources through implementing a management strategy comprising conservation, recycling and development of alternative water resources, the Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, said in Singapore today (June 22).
Mrs Lam said Hong Kong had been enjoying a secure, stable and worry-free supply of water from the Dongjiang River in Guangdong Province, which was capable of meeting 70% to 80% of Hong Kong's raw water supply as well as an ultimate supply of 1,100 million cubic metres which would meet the projected demand up to 2030.
"Despite the assured supply of water from the Mainland, Hong Kong has a duty and an obligation to contribute to water conservation in the region. In aspiring for sustainable development, the Total Water Management Strategy was promulgated recently to better prepare Hong Kong for uncertainties such as acute climate changes and low rainfall, and enhance our role as a good partner to other municipalities in the Pearl River Delta in promoting sustainable use of water in the light of the rapid growth of water demand in the region," Mrs Lam said.
On Hong Kong's water supply infrastructure, Mrs Lam said that a programme was in place to replace or rehabilitate almost 40% of the existing 7,800km of water mains, due to be completed by 2015, and to modernise water treatment works by adopting ozonisation and membrane technology in treatment plants, and by instituting further automation to enhance monitoring and control.
Steps have been taken to develop the option of seawater desalination using osmosis technology, while pilot schemes for water reclamation are on trial at locations where provision of seawater for flushing is not economical. The Government will also conduct trial schemes of grey water re-use and rainwater harvesting for some new public work projects, including the new Central Government Office complex at Tamar.
Mrs Lam also introduced to the ministers Hong Kong's 10 major infrastructure projects, many of which would help to enhance co-operation with the Mainland. She emphasised that the Government was determined to strike the needed balance between infrastructure development and public aspirations for heritage conservation, a quality living environment and sustainable development.
The forum today endorsed Japan as the host of the 8th Ministers' Forum in 2010, while Hong Kong will host the 9th forum in 2011. Mrs. Lam thanked all the ministers for their support.
On her arrival yesterday, Mrs Lam visited Marina Barrage, a dam built across the mouth of Marina Channel to create Singapore's 15th reservoir, Marina Reservoir. The Marina Barrage is part of a comprehensive flood control scheme to alleviate flooding in low-lying areas of the city. It is also a popular spot for recreational water activities.
Mrs Lam visited a private company this morning to learn about the latest technology for water purification and fluid treatment. She also attended the opening ceremony of Singapore International Water Week 2009 this evening, which will be held alongside the forum from June 22 to 26.
Also attending the forum are the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Mak Chai-kwong, and the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Ma Lee-tak.
Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (June 23).
Contact:
Hong Kong Government
Internet: www.gov.hk
More News and Articles
Apr 29, 2024
News
Minimising cultural impacts with trenchless
Through the benefits of trenchless technology, Yarra Valley Water is minimising impacts on the Upper Darebin Creek branch sewer project.
The project consists of building a 2.7km sewer pipe in Epping, …
Apr 26, 2024
News
Bothar’s cutting head innovation
The trenchless industry in Australia continues to grow and the need to provide customised solutions becomes vital for a leading subsurface contractor.
Recognising the need for advanced solutions to meet the growing …
Apr 24, 2024
News
Sustainable drainage solutions: German Start-up transforms urban water management.
Germany boasts a well-established infrastructure for managing rainwater and wastewater, yet many developing countries lack such systems. Addressing this gap, …
Apr 22, 2024
News
HDD tooling that gets the job done
Horizontal directional drilling is a dynamic process that constantly changes and adapts to suit a range of applications across utilities and infrastructure. Operators looking to get the most from their equipment …
Apr 19, 2024
News
WATCH: Overnight with SAERTEX-LINER H20 in São Paulo
Available through Pipe Core, high-quality liner SAERTEX-LINER H20 performed under pressure in São Paulo, Brazil.
Maintaining aging potable water pipe infrastructure is a constant challenge …
Apr 17, 2024
News
Immersive media provides wastewater experience in Denmark
An immersive media experience (IMX) may not be what most people want when they think about industrial wastewater, but that is exactly what visitors can expect when they visit a new installation …
Apr 15, 2024
News
Spotlight on gender diversity at Pipe Core
Since founding in 2008, Pipe Core’s team has grown across all areas of the business and is now in a position where there are more females than males across the organisation. Research published in Harvard …
Apr 12, 2024
News
New Wave of Startups Scale Innovation to Solve Global Water Challenges
Innovators from Around the World Join Xylem’s 2024 Accelerator Program to Deploy Breakthrough Innovations for Utilities and Industrial Users of Water
A new group of startups …
Apr 08, 2024
News
Integrated sustainable electricity and clean drinking water systems
Altitude Water and New Use Energy Solutions have partnered to create integrated, mobile solar-plus-water generation systems that produce sustainable electricity and clean drinking …
Apr 05, 2024
News
How to Evaluate Hydraulic Fracture Risk in HDD Design
The design of horizontal directional drill (HDD) installations often requires an evaluation of the potential for hydraulic fracture of the soil layers through which an HDD passes. Evaluating …
Apr 02, 2024
News
Historic Project Linking Rome and Vatican City Uses Advanced Technology and Local Knowledge to Keep Water Flowing
Relocation of Major Sewer Infrastructure Enables Construction of Pedestrian Link for 35 Million Visitors to the 2025 Jubilee
Water …
Mar 27, 2024
News
USU Study Looks at Water Main Break Rates in the U.S. and Canada
Report Highlights Correlation Between Material and Diameter
Utah State University (USU) has published new research on water main breaks in the United States and Canada, examining …