Stakeholder engagement is an essential process for DSD to promulgate updates of our services and new developments to our stakeholders. It is also an effective way to collect our stakeholders’ views for improving our services. In 2013-14, we have organised a wide range of stakeholder engagement activities.
Public Engagement Activities of DSD Projects
DSD believes that effective communications with stakeholders is vital to the successful delivery of our projects and the highlights of 2013-14 are as follows.
Feasibility Study on Relocation of Shatin Sewage Treatment Works to Caverns
To intensify the public’s understanding of sewage treatment works in caverns and the relocation project, we adopted an innovative “Experiential, Multi-platform and Iconic” approach in conducting the public engagement activities. The Stage 2 public engagement exercise was conducted from July to October 2013 to consult the public on the results and recommendations of the preliminary technical assessments.
During the public engagement exercise, we carried out a wide range of activities:
- Arranging visits to Stanley STW (an existing sewage treatment works in caverns) to enable the public to have first-hand experience of sewage treatment works;
- Arranging demonstrations of mini-deodouriser to display the effectiveness of deodourisation facilities;
- Setting up a physical model of the relocated Shatin STW to assist the public in visualising the preliminary layout of the plant;
- Communicating the information of the works with the public and stakeholders through multi-platforms such as our website, newsletters, roving exhibitions, focus group meetings and public forums; and
- Developing project animation featuring the iconic mascot “Dr. Marmot” in different styles to introduce the treatment facilities and process of the cavern sewage treatment works to the public in a lively and interesting way.
In the upcoming investigation and design stage, we will continue to engage the public and stakeholders so as to jointly optimise and implement the relocation project.
The project's physical model
Public forum
The iconic mascot "Dr. Marmot" in the project animation
Media interview on 20 August 2013
Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme (HVUSSS)
Connecting with the Concerned Groups
We conducted the second stakeholder engagement workshop of HVUSSS on 6 December 2013. A number of key stakeholders, including members from Wan Chai District Council, Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, attended the workshop and paid a visit to the site works.
Site visit with District Council Members
Group discussion with stakeholders
In addition, focus group meetings were held with Wan Chai District Council, Area Committees and local residents to seek their advice on enhancing and refining the construction arrangements.
Focus group meeting with Wan Chai District Council
Connecting with the Schools
We arranged presentation and group activities for the schools at Happy Valley to introduce the project and the basic concepts of flood prevention.
Presentation at St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Kindergarten on 20 and 27 March 2014
Guided group discussion with kindergarten students
The kindergarten students presented souvenirs to the project team
Kai Tak River Improvement Works
In 2010 and 2011, we conducted a two-stage public engagement exercise titled “Building our Kai Tak River”. Based on the outcome of the exercise, new elements have been incorporated in reconstructing and revitalising Kai Tak River to turn it into an attractive green river and townscape feature to enhance visual quality and image.
Since commencement of construction works in 2011, we have maintained close dialogues with the stakeholders, including Wong Tai Sin District Council, the schools and residents in the vicinity, with a view to understanding their concerns and minimising the nuisance to the locals.
Guided tours to Kai Tak River for local residents
School visits during construction stage
Mosquito prevention workshop for local residents
Village Sewerage Projects
During planning stage of village sewerage projects, DSD and the Environmental Protection Department carry out consultation with the relevant District Councils, Rural Committees, Village Representatives and local villagers. The consultation covers the proposed sewerage schemes, sewer alignments, locations of sewage pumping stations, as well as the responsibilities of villagers upon completion of works, in particular the connection works to the public sewerage by themselves and payment of sewage services charges afterwards.
Meeting with villagers during construction
In the course of construction, we liaise with the Village Representatives and villagers on the construction arrangements with a view to minimising nuisance. We post notices at the village access and other prominent locations to indicate the extent of works and the anticipated construction period. We will also agree with the house owners on the locations of terminal manholes. Upon works completion, we will then brief the house owners again on the connection works to the public sewerage.
Consultation meeting with villagers prior to construction
