Hong Kong and Shenzhen celebrate 30th anniversary of Shenzhen River regulation (with photos)
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government celebrated the 30th anniversary of Shenzhen River regulation at a ceremony held at Shatin Sewage Treatment Works today (March 2).
The Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, and the Executive Vice-Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, Mr Lu Ruifeng, officiated at the ceremony and launched the open day of the Drainage Services Department (DSD).
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Lam said the Hong Kong Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government started discussion on regulation of the Shenzhen River in December 1981, and set up the Joint Working Group on Shenzhen River Regulation in April 1982 for the implementation of the Shenzhen River Regulation Project.
"Through 30 years of joint efforts, the Shenzhen River Regulation Project Stages I to III have been completed and the flooding problems of the two places have been greatly relieved. Now the project is progressing ahead to planning for Stage IV, aiming at improving the upstream section of the Shenzhen River and upgrading the flood protection level of the proposed Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point and nearby areas to cope with rainstorms with a return period of one in 50 years," she said.
An ecological river concept will also be adopted in the design of the Stage IV project, with a view to improving the flooding protection level and ecological value of the proposed Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point and nearby areas.
"The partnership built in these 30 years of joint regulation of the Shenzhen River will provide an edge to the future cross-boundary infrastructure projects, and I am confident that the regulation of the Shenzhen River Stage IV will be completed in 2017 as scheduled to further protect the people of the two sides," Mrs Lam said.
Mr Lu said Shenzhen and Hong Kong had overcome many difficulties through their co-operation in regulation of the Shenzhen River in the past 30 years and had built up an effective operation model and co-operation mechanism. The project is a successful model of major cross-boundary infrastructure projects and has provided valuable experience to cross-boundary co-operation in other aspects.
The DSD will organise an open day tomorrow (March 3) and on March 4 at Shatin Sewage Treatment Works. Through thematic visits, video shows and exhibitions, the public will be able to gain a better understanding of the DSD's efforts in Shenzhen River regulation, flood prevention and the collection, treatment and discharge of sewage. Details of the open day are available at the DSD's homepage, www.dsd.gov.hk.
Also officiating at the ceremony today were the Deputy Secretary General of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, Mr Li Tingzhong; the Director of the Water Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Zhang Qiwen; the Deputy Director of the Water Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Li Changxing; the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Wai Chi-sing; the Director of Drainage Services, Mr Chan Chi-chiu; and the Deputy Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Lam Tin-sing.
Ends/Friday, March 2, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:32
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