Pollution down 80% in key districts

In the 2022 Policy Address, the Government set a target of reducing by half the pollution loading at stormwater outfalls with serious pollution problems on both sides of Victoria Harbour, in particular at Tsuen Wan, Sham Shui Po, and Kowloon City, by the end of this year.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Buildings Department, Drainage Services Department (DSD) and Environmental Protection Department (EPD), as of the second quarter of 2024, the pollution levels not only met but exceeded the target, dropping by about 80%.

The Environmental Protection Department locates the misconnection of sewage pipes through dye tracing.

A recent survey by the EPD at the Tsuen Wan waterfront showed that 75% of respondents noted an improvement in odour levels, with nearly half of them reporting a significant improvement.

Moreover, the concentration of hydrogen sulphide, a key indicator of odour intensity, has dropped significantly by about 80% from April 2022 to this August in the area.

“Unlike past years, in the morning, it was very smelly. The wind is so fresh today. I don’t smell anything,” said a Tsuen Wan resident, who has been living in the area for two years. 

The Environmental Protection Department conducts regular water monitoring at the Tsuen Wan waterfront.

Misconnections of sewage pipes to the stormwater drainage system in old districts can cause major odour problems because the sewage is then discharged through stormwater drains to the three main underground box culverts in Tsuen Wan District, and eventually flows out to the waterfront.

The EPD plays a crucial role in locating the pollution sources.

“We first collect and analyse water samples to identify areas with potential pollution sources. We then, based on the drainage map of the DSD, trace the exact location of misconnection from downstream to upstream through dye tracing, pipeline closed-circuit television robots and other smart tools,” Environmental Protection Department Senior Environmental Protection Officer Fanny Wong explained.

Environmental Protection Department Senior Environmental Protection Officer Fanny Wong says overall drainage outlet pollution levels have dropped by about 80%, exceeding the target set in the 2022 Policy Address.

The Buildings Department then steps in to follow up with misconnections.

“Once we confirm there is misconnection in private buildings, we will issue an order to the liable party or the owners of the building, requiring them to rectify the situation,” said Buildings Department Senior Structural Engineer Sonny Kan.

Buildings Department Senior Structural Engineer Sonny Kan says the department will issue an order to the liable parties when a misconnection of sewage in private buildings is found.

Similar misconnections exist in public sewers, which are followed up by the DSD, which also expands infrastructure to accommodate population growth and sustainable development in Tsuen Wan.

“The DSD is constructing approximately 7km of sewers through public works projects. The project started in July 2020 and the progress is satisfactory. The project is anticipated for completion in phases by mid-2026,” Drainage Services Department Senior Engineer John Leung added.

Between 2022 and the third quarter of 2024, 36 cases in Tsuen Wan have been rectified, addressing 89% of its total pollution. Sham Shui Po resolved 16 cases, tackling 66% of its total pollution, while Kowloon City rectified 32 cases, eliminating 99% of its total pollution.

Drainage Services Department Senior Engineer John Leung says the department is planning a sewage programme for nine villages in Tsuen Wan.

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images