The Drainage Services Department today (June 27) awarded the second drainage improvement contract for works to alleviate flooding in the low-lying areas of Sheung Wan.
The contract, worth $80 million, comprises the construction of the foundation for Sheung Wan stormwater pumping station and the laying of about 350 metres of stormwater drains ranging from 900mm to 2,100mm in diameter along Chung Kong Road.
China National Chemical Engineering Group Corporation was awarded the contract and works will start this Friday (June 30).
The contract for the superstructure of Sheung Wan stormwater pumping station worth about $100 million, the last contract in the project, will be awarded in mid-2007 for completion in October, 2009.
The Director of Drainage Services, Mr Wong Chee-keung, said after the contract signing ceremony that with completion of the interceptor drains at Queen's Road Central in mid 2008 and the Sheung Wan stormwater pumping station in October, 2009, the flood risk in the low-lying areas of Sheung Wan would be very much reduced.
"Before the full completion of Sheung Wan Pumping Station in October, 2009, the floodwater pumping scheme will become operational in the 2009 rainy season when the underground storage tank is completed and temporary pumping facilities will come into use," he said.
Works for the laying of intercepting drains at Queen's Road Central started in March and are progressing well.
Mr Wong said that the major difficulty encountered during the works process was the laying of pipes in busy Chung Kong Road and the adjacent bus terminus.
To minimise disruption to motorists and pedestrians, the department will implement traffic management schemes and pay special attention to site tidiness, signage, hoarding and safety during construction.
Before completion of these projects, "Sheung Wan Flood Watch" messages will be sent to alert residents and shop operators in the low-lying areas of Sheung Wan when flooding due to high tide, storm surge or heavy rains is likely.
During the rainy seasons, the department will step up the inspection and clearance of drains in the area. Whenever a "Flood Watch" message is issued or under severe weather conditions, a standby team will be mobilised to clear drains at Wing Lok Street.
Ends/Tuesday, June 27, 2006