In recent years, the work of the Drainage Services Department (DSD) has not been limited to wastewater treatment and stormwater drainage services. In order to build a more liveable community, colleagues from DSD went the extra mile for several projects near the Tsui Ping River in Kwun Tong. Besides the advanced completion of Tsui Ping Seaside, which connects the waterfront of Kwun Tong and Cha Kwo Ling to create a harbourfront of about 1.7 km, they also completed part of the Cha Kwo Ling waterfront ahead of schedule to tie in with the roof project of the Kwun Tong Sewage Pumping Station (KTSPS). The completion and opening of the Cha Kwo Ling Promenade offers another quality waterfront open space for people living in East Kowloon and across the territory. This time, I have specially invited the Director of DSD, Ms Alice PANG and her colleagues to introduce how they made an important step towards the extension of the harbourfront in East Kowloon.

“Incremental approach” and principle of "single site, multiple use"

I have officiated at a launch ceremony held at the Cha Kwo Ling Promenade earlier and am delighted to see the completion of the promenade and witnessed the Tsui Ping Seaside connecting the waterfronts of Kwun Tong and Cha Kwo Ling. These projects have demonstrated the two important policy goals, namely, first, an “incremental approach” to complete part of the promenade as soon as possible; and second, the principle of “single site, multiple use” to innovatively accommodate public open space in some facilities, just like the DSD transformed the roof of the KTSPS into a landscaped deck, providing leisure and activity space for public enjoyment.

Adding a stunning sight to behold in the Kowloon district

Chairman of the Harbourfront Commission, Mr NG Wing-shun, Vincent, says during the launch ceremony that the harbourfront development has been vibrant in recent years with the completion of various harbourfront projects from Admiralty to Fortress Hill. However, there are some concerns that the additional promenades are mainly focused on Hong Kong Island. This time, the completion of Cha Kwo Ling waterfront project not only adds a stunning sight to behold in the Kowloon district, but also provides another valuable public space. He gives special thanks to DSD’s colleagues who have turned the adjacent DSD facility into a very attractive public pleasure ground, which was beyond the imagination in the past.

Integrating the concept of “Rivers in the City” into river revitalization projects

Ms Alice PANG says that the department always hopes to go the extra mile to build a more liveable community, including proactively integrating the concept of “Rivers in the City” into river revitalization projects, and integrating public open space through enhancement of DSD facilities, with a view to changing the typical public perception of DSD facilities. For instance, the completion of the revitalization works of Jordan Valley Channel not only beautifies the environment with more green and ecological elements, but also promotes a water-friendly culture. They are well received by the public.

The DSD has further enhanced the connectivity between the waterfront and the community, for instance, the DSD has simultaneously carried out three projects near the Tsui Ping River, including “Upgrading of Kwun Tong Preliminary Treatment Works (KTPTW)”, “Revitalization of Tsui Ping River” and “Enhancement works for the KTSPS”. To dovetail with the “incremental approach” advocated by the Government and the Harbourfront Commission, the department has gone the extra mile in each of the projects. Under the interface between these three projects, the waterfront of Kwun Tong and Cha Kwo Ling was able to be connected ahead of schedule, which significantly improves the connectivity of the whole community and the waterfront and enhances the vibrancy of the harbourfront in East Kowloon.

Advanced completion of the cross-river walkways of the Tsui Ping Seaside

Engineer (Drainage Projects) of the DSD, Mr WONG Cheuk-lun, says that under the “Revitalization of Tsui Ping River” project, about 1km of the King Yip Street nullah is transformed into the Tsui Ping River. Six cross river walkways with seating and viewing platforms provided are built to connect both sides of the river. The whole project was scheduled for completion in 2024. However, in order to enhance the connectivity and walkability of the waterfront of Kwun Tong and Cha Kwo Ling, the project team decided to complete the cross-river walkways of the Tsui Ping Seaside ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, the DSD seized the opportunity of “Upgrading of KTPTW” to set back the boundaries of the treatment plant facing the Victoria Harbour and the Tsui Ping River to 15 metres and 3 metres respectively, to release space for the cross-river walkways and riverside walkways of the Tsui Ping Seaside. Upon the completion of the “Revitalization of Tsui Ping River” project, the connectivity of the river and Kwun Tong community will be enhanced significantly.

Cha Kwo Ling waterfront area completed 7 years ahead of schedule

Engineer (Harbour Area Treatment Scheme) of the DSD, Mr MUI Chi-kin, says that the project team has seized the opportunity of “Enhancement Works for the KTSPS” to develop the roof floor of the pumping station into a 1.1-hectare landscaped deck, which joins the adjacent waterfront area to form the 1.8-hectare Cha Kwo Ling Promenade. Pavilions, landscaped areas, lawns, children’s play facilities and fitness equipment are available at the promenade, offering more leisure and activity space for the community.

Regarding the Cha Kwo Ling waterfront area, it was originally under the Public Open Space (POS) project at the Cha Kwo Ling Waterfront and was scheduled for completion by 2030. To enable the public to enjoy the harbourfront space early and freely, the DSD decided to first restore and beautify a 130-metre-long and 0.7-hectare section of the promenade. The works were completed 7 years ahead of schedule, allowing the pubic to conveniently access the harbourfront space from the landscaped deck on the roof floor of the sewage pumping station. It is hoped that the Cha Kwo Ling Promenade would become a future landmark connecting the surrounding community with recreational and cultural activities in accordance with the principle of “single site, multiple use”.

Various harbourfront projects to be completed by the end of this year

Furthermore, by the end of this year, we will implement a number of harbourfront projects including the Water Sports and Recreation Precinct (Phase 4) in Wan Chai, an open space of another DSD facility at Cherry Street, Tai Kok Tsui and several public open spaces located in private development sites in the Kai Tak Runway area, making the total length of promenades on both sides of the Victoria Harbour to 27 kilometres from the existing 26 kilometres, with a target to extending it to 34 kilometres by 2028.