Established in September 1989, DSD is one of the seven departments under the Works Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As at March 2001, it has 2,100 staff comprising professional, technical and general supporting staff.

The department is headed by a Director with the assistance of a Deputy Director and four Assistant Directors. There are four branches within the department, namely the Sewage Services Branch, the Operations and Maintenance Branch, the Projects and Development Branch and the Electrical and Mechanical Branch. Besides, there are individual sections at the headquarters rendering technical, accounting and administrative support. The organization chart of the department is shown at the end of this chapter.

The Sewage Services Branch is responsible for the collection of sewage charges and the implementation of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme which is the capital works scheme to improve the water quality of Victoria Harbour.

The Operations and Maintenance Branch is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the sewerage and stormwater drainage systems in the territory. It has four divisions, with three district divisions taking care of the drainage and sewerage matters on HK Island and Islands, Mainland South and Mainland North. The fourth division, the Land Drainage Division, is responsible for flood control, planning of drainage infrastructure, drainage legislation and the improvement and maintenance of natural watercourses.

The Projects and Development Branch is responsible for the implementation of capital works projects, including the design and construction of stormwater drains, flood control and relief works, sewerage and sewage treatment plants.

The Electrical and Mechanical Branch is responsible for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of the electrical and mechanical facilities of sewage treatment plants, sewage pumping stations and flood water pumping stations.

Organization Chart of the Drainage Services Department