Secretary for Development inspects Yuen Long Nullahs (with photos)
The Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (September 29) conducted a site visit to the Yuen Long Nullahs to understand the drainage system in the district and plans for environmental improvement.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Mak Chai-kwong and Director of Drainage Services, Mr Wong Chee-keung, Mrs Lam walked along the nullahs in Yuen Long town centre, and was briefed by staff of Drainage Services Department (DSD) on the nullahs’ flood prevention operation and the greening measures to improve environment.
Constructed in the early 60s, the Yuen Long Nullahs is composed of a main nullah and four branches with a total length of about 10 kilometres. It is the main drainage system in Yuen Long town.
To further improve the environmental and hygiene conditions in the area, DSD commissioned a consultant early this year to conduct a 20-month feasibility study on the rehabilitation of the Yuen Long Nullahs.
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive study and survey on the nullahs’ water quality and the source of contamination, with a view to recommending a series of measures to enhance the water quality and to eliminate the unpleasant smell in the long run.
Mrs Lam learnt that DSD had actively engaged the community in the earlier stage of the feasibility study to seek their views on the rehabilitation works and understand their needs. Apart from consulting the Yuen Long District Council and other local organisations, DSD also organised a seminar in July this year to exchange views with green groups, professional institutes and the academia on the rehabilitation of drainage channels. It is expected that some initial rehabilitation proposals will be recommended by the consultants for further public consultation in early 2008.
Ends/Saturday, September 29, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:45
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