Managing Underground Drainage and Sewerage Networks

DSD currently manages more than 4,100 kilometres of underground drains and sewers. These underground pipes have been put in service for 29 years on average and over 1,800 kilometres of these pipes have been used for 30 years or more, many of them show signs of wear and tear. We schedule regular inspection plans to monitor the conditions of these underground pipes and conduct rehabilitation works as and when necessary. In 2016-17, we rehabilitated about 22 kilometres of drains and sewers at a cost of about $138 million.

Structural failure of seriously deteriorated pipes may result in road subsidence. Apart from the impact on the operation of the pipelines, it may bring about adverse impacts on traffic, environment and public safety. In view of this, we are striving to implement a territory-wide rehabilitation programme for aged stormwater drains and sewers using risk-based approach. Condition survey and rehabilitation of high risk underground pipes are being implemented in phases. At the same time, we will study and apply various cutting-edge R&R techniques to efficiently maintain our underground pipe networks and achieve greater cost-effectiveness of our works.