Adopting New Engineering Contract
Through our proactive application of New Engineering Contract (NEC), DSD is implementing drainage works with its working partners through innovative collaborative approaches. Comparing with conventional contract, NEC advocates close cooperation, joint management and shared risks by all working parties. This approach establishes rapport between the project management division and contractors, preventing disputes, reducing risks arising from project delay, and improving construction efficiency. In the past seven years, DSD has issued 18 NECs covering civil engineering projects, electrical and mechanical engineering projects, maintenance works and consultancy services, as well as actively promoting the NEC to the construction industry. In January 2016, DSD issued the first electrical and mechanical maintenance contract for sewage treatment facilities under NEC, through which inspections, repairs and testing will be carried out for the electrical equipments in sewage treatment works and pumping rooms under the Department’s remit.
As a major NEC user, DSD will continue to organise symposiums, workshops and training courses to share our first-hand experience with different stakeholders in the construction industry, showing them how NEC helps optimising cost-effectiveness and reducing project risks.
DSD colleagues hold regular progress meetings with contractors
DSD colleague explaining NEC to tenderers who have expressed interest
Stakeholder Interview
Comment from Consultant
As one of DSD’s major engineering consulting firms, we mainly offer professional services in feasibility studies, design, construction and monitoring for drainage facilities which provide sewage and rainwater discharge services under the Department’s remit. We recently participated in Regulation of Shenzhen River Stage 4, a joint enterprise between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The project involved the construction of a flood retention lake and the implementation of eco-river designs. Compared to conventional approaches, the construction of flood retention lake serves to contain stormwater surges during the wet season and store water for wetlands during the dry season, effectively mitigating construction impact on the ecological environment. To ensure that organisms can move about freely within the artificial waterways after construction works are complete, the project team improved the specific design of toewall and added rocks to simulate natural streams environments. DSD personnel were consistently engaged in discussions for design schemes and considered innovative elements with an open mind, thus ceaselessly improving construction quality with an eye on the dual demands on functionality and environmental protection. In addition, DSD is gradually adopting NEC on its construction projects, requiring all parties to carry out works through a managerial partnership, which is helpful on building stronger cooperative relations.
On a final note, I believe that climate change is a typical concern amongst the general public, and DSD should keep ramping up its preparations on this front and aid Hong Kong in adapting to increasingly frequent change of extreme weather.
Ir Andy Kwok
Director of Projects
Black & Veatch Hong Kong Limited
Our Response
DSD strives to nurture an innovative spirit of our staff and collaborate with the public, trades and relevant organisations across different regions, with an ultimate aim to fulfill our responsibilities with a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.
Climate change manifests an increasing impact to Hong Kong. We look forward to collaborating with the industries to develop innovative technologies to cope with future challenges.
