ConstructioNews
Vol 34 No 2 (11-2024)
Carrying Out Seven Drainage Improvement Works For Improving Flood Control Capabilities Across The Territory
To keep pace with the continuous development of the community and economy, there were
changes in the land uses and development plans in various districts across Hong Kong, bringing different levels of impact on the existing drainage systems. The Drainage Services Department (DSD) initiated a new round of Drainage Master Plan Review Studies (DMP Review Studies) in phases since 2008 and the territory was divided into 12 study areas for the review. The DMP Review Studies for 10 of the study areas have been completed. The remaining ones for Southern Hong Kong Island and Tseung Kwan O are in progress and scheduled for completion this year. These studies have recommended a series of improvement works, including eleven drainage improvement projects under construction and seven drainage improvement projects that were approved funding by the Legislative Council in July.
Dense development in the urban areas causes space limitation and site constraints, making the construction of new large-scale drains and box culverts to enhance the drainage capacity technically difficult. Construction of stormwater storage tank is one of the most suitable flood control strategies for urban areas. With due consideration of the topography and geographical location of the catchment areas, some of these stormwater storage tanks will be equipped with large stormwater pumps, to force discharge the stormwater temporarily stored in the stormwater storage tanks directly into the sea and rivers by pumping.
Seven drainage improvement projects obtained funding approval from the Legislative Council
The proposed seven projects mainly involve the construction of six stormwater storage tanks and the associated stormwater drains, including three stormwater storage schemes (forced discharge mode) at the Kwun Tong Promenade and the adjacent harbourfront areas, Sha Tin Park and Tai Po Old Market Playground; and three stormwater storage schemes (non-forced discharge mode) at Shek Kip Mei Park, Morse Park and Argyle Street Playground, to improve the flood control capabilities of the above mentioned areas.
The proposed three stormwater storage schemes (forced discharge mode) in the catchment areas of Kuwn Tong, Sha Tin and Tai Po are situated at the downstream locations of the respective catchment areas and near the harbour/rivers. During heavy rainstorms, the stormwater will be intercepted to the underground stormwater storage tanks and further discharged into the harbour/river directly by high-capacity stormwater pumps. Due to the proximity with the coast and the influence of tides, large stormwater pumps and rising mains are required for stormwater discharge. In addition to the large stormwater pumps, the stormwater storage schemes (forced discharge mode) are also equipped with stormwater storage tanks with a certain capacity to complement the operation of the pumps, and to ensure that there is a backup storage capacity in case of emergencies, such as malfunctioning of pumps.
Furthermore, the proposed three stormwater storage schemes (nonforced discharge mode) in the catchment areas of Mong Kok, Wong Tai Sin and Kowloon City are situated at the midstream locations of the respective catchment areas. During heavy rainstorms, the stormwater will be intercepted to the underground stormwater storage tanks with relatively larger capacity for temporary storage in order to alleviate the burden on downstream drainage systems and prevent flooding in downstream areas. After the heavy rainstorms, the stormwater collected in the stormwater storage tanks will be discharged into the downstream
stormwater drainage systems in an orderly manner, achieving a “peak-shaving”effect to avoid flooding in the downstream areas. Subject to suitable topographical conditions, the stormwater collected can be naturally discharged to the downstream stormwater drainage systems by gravity. Otherwise, a pumping station (such as that for the stormwater storage tank located at Argyle Street Playground) is required to pump the stormwater from the stormwater storage tank to the downstream stormwater drainage systems in an orderly manner.
Five relevant contracts with a total value of $6.4 billion were signed with contractors on 16 August. The seven works projects are targeted for completion in phases within about three and a half years to six years.
(I) Drainage improvement works in Mong Kok
The proposed scope of works comprise construction of an underground stormwater storage tank with a capacity of about 49,000 cubic metres and the associated above ground structure at Shek Kip Mei Park; re-provision and enhancement of part of Shek Kip Mei Park; construction of stormwater drains of about 530 metres long with diameters ranging from 225 millimetres to 1.2 metres at Cornwall Street, Tai Hang Tung Road and Embankment Road; and carrying out ancillary works.
(II) Drainage improvement works in Wong Tai Sin
The proposed scope of works under comprises construction of an underground stormwater storage tank with a capacity of about 47,000 cubic metres and the associated above ground structure at Morse Park in Wong Tai Sin; re-provision and enhancement of part of Morse Park; construction of stormwater drains of about 1.4 kilometres long with diameters ranging from 1.2 metres to 2.5 metres at Wing Chuk Street, Chuk Yuen Road, Ma Chai Hang Road, Fung Mo Street, Wong Tai Sin Road and Po Kong Village Road in Wong Tai Sin; rehabilitation of stormwater drains of about 560 metres long at Po Kong Village Road in Wong Tai Sin; and carrying out ancillary works.
(III) Drainage improvement works in Kwun Tong
The proposed scope of works comprises construction of an underground stormwater storage
tank with a capacity of about 25,000 cubic metres and the associated above ground structure at Kwun Tong Hoi Bun Road Park, and an underground stormwater pumping station and the associated above ground structure at Kwun Tong Promenade; re-provision and enhancement of part of Kwun Tong Hoi Bun Road Park and Kwun Tong Promenade; construction of stormwater drains of about 3.4 kilometres long with diameters ranging from
225 millimetres to 2.4 metres in the vicinity of Kwun Tong Road, Ngau Tau Kok Road, Hang Yip Street, Wai Yip Street and Hoi Bun Road; and carrying out ancillary works.
(IV) Drainage improvement works in Kowloon City
The proposed scope of works under comprises construction of an underground stormwater storage tank with a capacity of about 75,000 cubic metres, a stormwater pumping station and the associated above ground structure at Argyle Street Playground in Kowloon City; re-provision and enhancement of Argyle Street Playground; construction of stormwater drains of about 1.1 kilometres long with diameters ranging from 600 millimetres to 2.1 metres and single cell stormwater box culverts of about 500 metres long with inner widths ranging from 3 metres to 3.6 metres and heights ranging from 1.3 metres to 1.6 metres at Olympic Avenue,
Kowloon City Road, Ma Tau Kok Road in To Kwa Wan, and Baker Street, Lo Lung Hang Street, Bulkeley Street and Dock Street in Hung Hom; and carrying out ancillary works.
(V) Drainage improvement works in Eastern District
The proposed scope of works comprises construction of stormwater drains of about 1.8 kilometres long with diameters ranging from 300 millimetres to 1.6 metres at Kam Hong Street and Java Road in North Point, Yee Shun Street and Kam Yuen Lane in Chai Wan, Mount Parker Road in Quarry Bay, Wang Wa Street, Shau Kei Wan Main Street East and A Kung Ngam Road in Shau Kei Wan; and carrying out ancillary works.
(VI) Drainage improvement works in Sha Tin and Sai Kung
The proposed scope of works comprises construction of an underground stormwater storage tank with a capacity of about 8,600 cubic metres, a stormwater pumping station and the associated above ground structure at Sha Tin Park; re-provision and enhancement of part of Sha Tin Park; construction of stormwater drains of about 1.6 kilometres long with diameters ranging from 375 millimetres to 2.2 metres at Pak Hok Ting Street, Sha Tin Centre Street, Yi Ching Lane and Tai Po Road – Sha Tin in Sha Tin, and Po Lo Che Road in Sai Kung; improvement of existing drainage channels of about 90 m long by increasing the height by 1 metre at Wong Chuk Yeung Village in Sha Tin; construction of flood walls of about 1.8 kilometres long and about 1 metre tall along Shing Mun River and at Kau To Hang in Sha Tin; and carrying out ancillary works.
(VII) Drainage improvement works in Tai Po
The proposed scope of works comprises construction of an underground stormwater storage
tank with a capacity of 25,000 cubic metres, a stormwater pumping station and the associated above ground structure1 at Tai Po Old Market Playground; re-provision and enhancement of part of Tai Po Old Market Playground; construction of stormwater drains of about 1.9 kilometres long with diameters ranging from 300 millimetres to 3.2 metres at Ting Kok Road, Tai Po Tai Wo Road, Chui Lok Street, Chui Wo Lane, Kau Hui Chik Street, Mei Sun Lane and Po Nga Road in Tai Po, and San Uk Pai Tsuen in Lam Tsuen Valley; improvement of existing drainage channels of about 200 metres long by increasing the width from 4 metres to 6 metres at Sha Pa in Lam Tsuen Valley; construction of flood walls of about 1.2 km long
and about 1 m tall along Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po; and carrying out ancillary works.
Application of innovative technologies
The DSD proactively applies innovative technologies in drainage works, including the development and expansion of a smart drainage and hydrological information system and the use of desilting robots. A few years ago, the DSD enhanced the use of hydrological information system, developed mobile applications, and monitored real-time regional rainfall, water levels of major rivers and drainage channels, as well as tide levels at different locations. We recently have increased the number of remote monitoring devices and planned to carry out trials to monitor water level at manholes, and flood situation of roads. In addition,
the DSD introduced the use of river and drainage channel desilting robots and pipeline inspection robots to assist in the maintenance works so as to improve the work efficiency and safety for operation and maintenance of drainage system.
Virtual Construction Safety Assistant
Virtual Construction Safety Assistant uses Vision Language Model embedded with safety knowledge obtained from construction safety regulations, documents and site images to monitor site safety. The Assistant’s natural language processing capability enables it to be rapidly trained and allows it to be speedily adapted to fast-evolving safety regulations and guidelines, eliminating cumbersome and costly re-training. It can identify unsafe hazards and behaviours not recognisable by existing AI systems.
Tumbler Inspection Ball Robot
Tumbler Inspection Ball, which integrates modern robotics and AI technologies, is a breakthrough in the inspection of underground pipes and tunnels under confined space conditions. It is capable of providing stable and clear 360-degree panoramic videos for condition surveys. Shaped like a roly-poly, the Tumbler Inspection Ball stays upright as it sails down pipes and tunnels even under rapid flow conditions. Its internal camera stabilising system and AI enhance video quality.
Wireless Battery-powered Remote-controlled Desilting Robot
By leveraging modern robotics and wireless remote control technologies, desilting robot is able to freely move within channels, making it particularly suitable for long-distance desilting work in open channels and rivers. The robot is equipped with a front bucket and a bulldozer device, allowing it to easily scoop up or push away silt and debris. Taking advantage of its high mobility, the robot is specifically well-suited for urgent desilting work after heavy rains.
Effectively reducing the flooding risk
Due to the effects of extreme weather events, torrential rainfall brought flooding to various districts in Hong Kong. Policy Address of last year announced that taking forward expeditiously the $8 billion drainage improvement works projects, covering Wong Tai Sin, Hong Kong Island East and other areas hit by severe floods in the past.
Combating climate change is a challenge across the globe. By expediting the implementation of multiple flood control projects, Hong Kong's flood resilience will be further enhanced, more effectively reducing the flooding risk across the territory.
Source of information and picture: Discussion paper of Legislative Council Panel on Development & official website of the Drainage Services Department
changes in the land uses and development plans in various districts across Hong Kong, bringing different levels of impact on the existing drainage systems. The Drainage Services Department (DSD) initiated a new round of Drainage Master Plan Review Studies (DMP Review Studies) in phases since 2008 and the territory was divided into 12 study areas for the review. The DMP Review Studies for 10 of the study areas have been completed. The remaining ones for Southern Hong Kong Island and Tseung Kwan O are in progress and scheduled for completion this year. These studies have recommended a series of improvement works, including eleven drainage improvement projects under construction and seven drainage improvement projects that were approved funding by the Legislative Council in July.
Dense development in the urban areas causes space limitation and site constraints, making the construction of new large-scale drains and box culverts to enhance the drainage capacity technically difficult. Construction of stormwater storage tank is one of the most suitable flood control strategies for urban areas. With due consideration of the topography and geographical location of the catchment areas, some of these stormwater storage tanks will be equipped with large stormwater pumps, to force discharge the stormwater temporarily stored in the stormwater storage tanks directly into the sea and rivers by pumping.
Seven drainage improvement projects obtained funding approval from the Legislative Council
The proposed seven projects mainly involve the construction of six stormwater storage tanks and the associated stormwater drains, including three stormwater storage schemes (forced discharge mode) at the Kwun Tong Promenade and the adjacent harbourfront areas, Sha Tin Park and Tai Po Old Market Playground; and three stormwater storage schemes (non-forced discharge mode) at Shek Kip Mei Park, Morse Park and Argyle Street Playground, to improve the flood control capabilities of the above mentioned areas.
The proposed three stormwater storage schemes (forced discharge mode) in the catchment areas of Kuwn Tong, Sha Tin and Tai Po are situated at the downstream locations of the respective catchment areas and near the harbour/rivers. During heavy rainstorms, the stormwater will be intercepted to the underground stormwater storage tanks and further discharged into the harbour/river directly by high-capacity stormwater pumps. Due to the proximity with the coast and the influence of tides, large stormwater pumps and rising mains are required for stormwater discharge. In addition to the large stormwater pumps, the stormwater storage schemes (forced discharge mode) are also equipped with stormwater storage tanks with a certain capacity to complement the operation of the pumps, and to ensure that there is a backup storage capacity in case of emergencies, such as malfunctioning of pumps.
Furthermore, the proposed three stormwater storage schemes (nonforced discharge mode) in the catchment areas of Mong Kok, Wong Tai Sin and Kowloon City are situated at the midstream locations of the respective catchment areas. During heavy rainstorms, the stormwater will be intercepted to the underground stormwater storage tanks with relatively larger capacity for temporary storage in order to alleviate the burden on downstream drainage systems and prevent flooding in downstream areas. After the heavy rainstorms, the stormwater collected in the stormwater storage tanks will be discharged into the downstream
stormwater drainage systems in an orderly manner, achieving a “peak-shaving”effect to avoid flooding in the downstream areas. Subject to suitable topographical conditions, the stormwater collected can be naturally discharged to the downstream stormwater drainage systems by gravity. Otherwise, a pumping station (such as that for the stormwater storage tank located at Argyle Street Playground) is required to pump the stormwater from the stormwater storage tank to the downstream stormwater drainage systems in an orderly manner.
Five relevant contracts with a total value of $6.4 billion were signed with contractors on 16 August. The seven works projects are targeted for completion in phases within about three and a half years to six years.
(I) Drainage improvement works in Mong Kok
The proposed scope of works comprise construction of an underground stormwater storage tank with a capacity of about 49,000 cubic metres and the associated above ground structure at Shek Kip Mei Park; re-provision and enhancement of part of Shek Kip Mei Park; construction of stormwater drains of about 530 metres long with diameters ranging from 225 millimetres to 1.2 metres at Cornwall Street, Tai Hang Tung Road and Embankment Road; and carrying out ancillary works.
(II) Drainage improvement works in Wong Tai Sin
The proposed scope of works under comprises construction of an underground stormwater storage tank with a capacity of about 47,000 cubic metres and the associated above ground structure at Morse Park in Wong Tai Sin; re-provision and enhancement of part of Morse Park; construction of stormwater drains of about 1.4 kilometres long with diameters ranging from 1.2 metres to 2.5 metres at Wing Chuk Street, Chuk Yuen Road, Ma Chai Hang Road, Fung Mo Street, Wong Tai Sin Road and Po Kong Village Road in Wong Tai Sin; rehabilitation of stormwater drains of about 560 metres long at Po Kong Village Road in Wong Tai Sin; and carrying out ancillary works.
(III) Drainage improvement works in Kwun Tong
The proposed scope of works comprises construction of an underground stormwater storage
tank with a capacity of about 25,000 cubic metres and the associated above ground structure at Kwun Tong Hoi Bun Road Park, and an underground stormwater pumping station and the associated above ground structure at Kwun Tong Promenade; re-provision and enhancement of part of Kwun Tong Hoi Bun Road Park and Kwun Tong Promenade; construction of stormwater drains of about 3.4 kilometres long with diameters ranging from
225 millimetres to 2.4 metres in the vicinity of Kwun Tong Road, Ngau Tau Kok Road, Hang Yip Street, Wai Yip Street and Hoi Bun Road; and carrying out ancillary works.
(IV) Drainage improvement works in Kowloon City
The proposed scope of works under comprises construction of an underground stormwater storage tank with a capacity of about 75,000 cubic metres, a stormwater pumping station and the associated above ground structure at Argyle Street Playground in Kowloon City; re-provision and enhancement of Argyle Street Playground; construction of stormwater drains of about 1.1 kilometres long with diameters ranging from 600 millimetres to 2.1 metres and single cell stormwater box culverts of about 500 metres long with inner widths ranging from 3 metres to 3.6 metres and heights ranging from 1.3 metres to 1.6 metres at Olympic Avenue,
Kowloon City Road, Ma Tau Kok Road in To Kwa Wan, and Baker Street, Lo Lung Hang Street, Bulkeley Street and Dock Street in Hung Hom; and carrying out ancillary works.
(V) Drainage improvement works in Eastern District
The proposed scope of works comprises construction of stormwater drains of about 1.8 kilometres long with diameters ranging from 300 millimetres to 1.6 metres at Kam Hong Street and Java Road in North Point, Yee Shun Street and Kam Yuen Lane in Chai Wan, Mount Parker Road in Quarry Bay, Wang Wa Street, Shau Kei Wan Main Street East and A Kung Ngam Road in Shau Kei Wan; and carrying out ancillary works.
(VI) Drainage improvement works in Sha Tin and Sai Kung
The proposed scope of works comprises construction of an underground stormwater storage tank with a capacity of about 8,600 cubic metres, a stormwater pumping station and the associated above ground structure at Sha Tin Park; re-provision and enhancement of part of Sha Tin Park; construction of stormwater drains of about 1.6 kilometres long with diameters ranging from 375 millimetres to 2.2 metres at Pak Hok Ting Street, Sha Tin Centre Street, Yi Ching Lane and Tai Po Road – Sha Tin in Sha Tin, and Po Lo Che Road in Sai Kung; improvement of existing drainage channels of about 90 m long by increasing the height by 1 metre at Wong Chuk Yeung Village in Sha Tin; construction of flood walls of about 1.8 kilometres long and about 1 metre tall along Shing Mun River and at Kau To Hang in Sha Tin; and carrying out ancillary works.
(VII) Drainage improvement works in Tai Po
The proposed scope of works comprises construction of an underground stormwater storage
tank with a capacity of 25,000 cubic metres, a stormwater pumping station and the associated above ground structure1 at Tai Po Old Market Playground; re-provision and enhancement of part of Tai Po Old Market Playground; construction of stormwater drains of about 1.9 kilometres long with diameters ranging from 300 millimetres to 3.2 metres at Ting Kok Road, Tai Po Tai Wo Road, Chui Lok Street, Chui Wo Lane, Kau Hui Chik Street, Mei Sun Lane and Po Nga Road in Tai Po, and San Uk Pai Tsuen in Lam Tsuen Valley; improvement of existing drainage channels of about 200 metres long by increasing the width from 4 metres to 6 metres at Sha Pa in Lam Tsuen Valley; construction of flood walls of about 1.2 km long
and about 1 m tall along Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po; and carrying out ancillary works.
Application of innovative technologies
The DSD proactively applies innovative technologies in drainage works, including the development and expansion of a smart drainage and hydrological information system and the use of desilting robots. A few years ago, the DSD enhanced the use of hydrological information system, developed mobile applications, and monitored real-time regional rainfall, water levels of major rivers and drainage channels, as well as tide levels at different locations. We recently have increased the number of remote monitoring devices and planned to carry out trials to monitor water level at manholes, and flood situation of roads. In addition,
the DSD introduced the use of river and drainage channel desilting robots and pipeline inspection robots to assist in the maintenance works so as to improve the work efficiency and safety for operation and maintenance of drainage system.
Virtual Construction Safety Assistant
Virtual Construction Safety Assistant uses Vision Language Model embedded with safety knowledge obtained from construction safety regulations, documents and site images to monitor site safety. The Assistant’s natural language processing capability enables it to be rapidly trained and allows it to be speedily adapted to fast-evolving safety regulations and guidelines, eliminating cumbersome and costly re-training. It can identify unsafe hazards and behaviours not recognisable by existing AI systems.
Tumbler Inspection Ball Robot
Tumbler Inspection Ball, which integrates modern robotics and AI technologies, is a breakthrough in the inspection of underground pipes and tunnels under confined space conditions. It is capable of providing stable and clear 360-degree panoramic videos for condition surveys. Shaped like a roly-poly, the Tumbler Inspection Ball stays upright as it sails down pipes and tunnels even under rapid flow conditions. Its internal camera stabilising system and AI enhance video quality.
Wireless Battery-powered Remote-controlled Desilting Robot
By leveraging modern robotics and wireless remote control technologies, desilting robot is able to freely move within channels, making it particularly suitable for long-distance desilting work in open channels and rivers. The robot is equipped with a front bucket and a bulldozer device, allowing it to easily scoop up or push away silt and debris. Taking advantage of its high mobility, the robot is specifically well-suited for urgent desilting work after heavy rains.
Effectively reducing the flooding risk
Due to the effects of extreme weather events, torrential rainfall brought flooding to various districts in Hong Kong. Policy Address of last year announced that taking forward expeditiously the $8 billion drainage improvement works projects, covering Wong Tai Sin, Hong Kong Island East and other areas hit by severe floods in the past.
Combating climate change is a challenge across the globe. By expediting the implementation of multiple flood control projects, Hong Kong's flood resilience will be further enhanced, more effectively reducing the flooding risk across the territory.
Source of information and picture: Discussion paper of Legislative Council Panel on Development & official website of the Drainage Services Department