The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has been striving to optimise flood prevention and sewage treatment services. In recent years, the DSD has gone the extra mile to better connect its facilities with the citizens, community and nature by incorporating new elements into its existing facilities, so that the facilities can perform their functions while also beautify and integrate into the community. This time, I have invited Drainy, the DSD’s KOL, and DSD colleagues to present not only their thematic manhole covers that incorporated local elements but also their river beautification facilities. All members of the public are welcome to pay a visit to these facilities and take some photos during holidays.

Over 180 thematic manhole covers installed by DSD in various districts

According to Ms QIU Yujing, Engineer (Consultants Management Division) of the DSD, in response to the “Hong Kong New Cityscape clean-up campaign” launched earlier by the Government, the DSD has identified a few tourist attractions with local characteristics and high pedestrian flow to install thematic manhole covers since 2022. Over 180 thematic manhole covers with more than 20 designs have been installed at 10 locations, namely Tai O, Lei Yue Mun, Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Kai Tak River, Tsui Ping River, Cha Kwo Ling Promenade, Ngong Ping, To Kwa Wan Promenade, Hoi Fai Road Promenade, and Butterfly Valley Road Pet Garden, with a view to beautifying the community and enhancing the image of our drainage system while creating good check-in spots for citizens and tourists.

Ms QIU states that in order to attract the attention of residents and tourists, the DSD has replaced 15 sewage manhole covers on Tai O Market Street and Kat Hing Street with thematic manhole covers. These manhole covers portray the traditional fishing village lifestyle of Tai O fishermen with the theme of “stilt houses”. The view of stilt houses, with images of small boats and catches representing the daily life of Tai O fishermen, as well as Tai O’s specialities such as shrimp paste and salted fish, are depicted on each of these manhole covers, while the wooden ladder-like pattern symbolises Tai O residents’ use of architectural design to suit and facilitate their fishermen’s lifestyle.

122 thematic manhole covers installed in Lei Yue Mun Village

Ms QIU adds that the DSD has conducted a survey on the history of and unique attractions in Lei Yue Mun before designing thematic manhole covers for the district. Finally, mountains, water, carp, fishing boats, nostalgic ferries, archways and lighthouses have been chosen as design elements. Mountains and water not only represent the geographical environment of Lei Yue Mun Village surrounded by mountains and rivers, but also symbolise the sewerage system built by the DSD to improve the water quality in the typhoon shelter area and the local environment. Carp, fishing boats and nostalgic ferries represent the district’s vibrant fishing activities and tourist attractions featured by delicious seafood, while archways and lighthouses are famous landmarks in the district. So far, 122 thematic manhole covers have been installed in the village, 15 of which have been made more appealing after being painted in colours.

Thematic manhole covers in Lam Tsuen inspired by Banyan Tree

Mr CHAN Yu Kwan, Engineer (Mainland North Division) of the DSD, says that the Wishing Trees in Fong Ma Po Village ,Lam Tsuen is a popular attraction in Tai Po, renowned for its traditional custom and cultural fascination. Late last year, in the vicinity of Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, the DSD installed 8 thematic manhole covers, all of which are designed with the theme of Wishing Trees, depicting a magnificent banyan tree with loads of wishing placards that symbolise blessing hanging on its branches. These thematic manhole covers come with two colour combinations: one is the combination of green, blue, yellow and brown, manifesting natural vitality; another is the combination of purple pink, pink, green and brown, creating a romantic atmosphere. These manhole covers are located on Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road and near Lam Tsuen Wishing Square.

Mr CHAN adds that the DSD wishes to enrich the artistic ambience of public spaces in the community by showcasing the thematic manhole covers. Visitors are welcome to take photos with the thematic manhole covers so as to capture the memorable moments of tossing wishing placards onto the Wishing Trees at Lam Tsuen Wishing Square.

Revitalising Staunton Creek Nullah and providing more public open spaces

In addition, the DSD has proactively integrated the concept of “Rivers in the City” into its river revitalisation projects in recent years. Mr KWOK Tsz Ho, Engineer (Hong Kong and Islands Division) of the DSD says that apart from placing great importance to enhancement of the flood prevention capability of rivers, the DSD also adds value to urban rivers through optimisation of existing drainage facilities, enhancement to the riverbank environment and provision of public open spaces.

According to Mr KWOK, the DSD will construct pedestrian boardwalks along the northern bank in the downstream section of Staunton Creek Nullah in Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen this year to revitalise the nullah and beautify the walking environment through improvements to the pedestrian connection facilities between Wong Chuk Hang MTR Station and Aberdeen Promenade. The project is expected to be completed by 2027.

In the meantime, after making improvements to the maintenance access road in the upstream section of the nullah that was previously cordoned off, the DSD has opened up the access road for public use. The newly open space is approximately 15 metres long and about 6 metres wide. Based on the design theme of river water flowing into the ocean, complemented by landscaping, characteristics of Aberdeen Fish Market and “Drainy” decorations, the originally functional maintenance access road has been transformed into an open space with local and DSD’s characteristics. Mr KWOK adds that a pavilion has also been built in the open space to meet the needs of the public.

The DSD will continue to provide more public open space for citizens, integrate its distinctive facilities into the community, and promote a water-friendly culture by implementing various river improvement measures.