Apart from providing sufficient hydraulic capacity to prevent flooding, drainage channels are now expected to blend in with the environment and help enhance the quality of life in a community. DSD has been taking every opportunity to work with different communities and various District Councils to introduce ecological features in drainage channels. From 2004 to 2008, DSD had planted about 41,000 trees and 955,000 shrubs, and had created more than 40 hectares of wetland or fish pond in our projects.

The consultancy study to examine the feasibility of rehabilitation of the Yuen Long Town nullah went very smoothly in 2008 and identified a section of the nullah in the town centre suitable for rehabilitation.

The Kai Tak nullah is another greening project in which a section between Tai Shing Street and Prince Edward Road East was planned as a green river. DSD adopted environmentally friendly design such as the use of rubbles and cellular concrete grassing slab, and suitable species of water-borne plant in the revitalization of the nullah. The purpose is to maintain a balance on providing sufficient carrying capacity of the floodwater and keeping the engineering channel green.

Green roof and landscape have become standard items that must be considered by DSD staff and our Consultants in all new projects.