Global climate change embeds opportunities and challenges. In the face of changes in the environment, DSD has committed to exploring and introducing cutting-edge engineering technologies and environmental measures. On one hand, it enhances the operational efficiency; on the other hand, it promotes the concept of sustainable development (covering river revitalisation and energy conservation, etc.), and to realize the goal of co-existence between project works and environmental protection.

DSD has been striving to implement the concept of revitalising water bodies by incorporating green and eco-conservation elements into channel and river training works. These include planting in river channels and along riverbanks, engineering natural stream settings, preserving river ecosystems, enhancing various wildlife growth and introducing landscape designs, which promote greening, biodiversity and environmental beautification while maintaining the drainage capacity. For the purpose of blue-green infrastructure, we wish to create an environment with lush vegetation and beautiful waterscape for the public to get close to the water bodies and treasure the natural resources.

Ho Chung River and Upper Lam Tsuen River Improvement Works

DSD completed Ho Chung River and Upper Lam Tsuen River Improvement Works in 2007 and 2012 respectively, thus considerably alleviating the flood risk in the regions. Ho Chung River in Sai Kung and Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po are of great ecological significance. During construction, we did our utmost to minimise environmental and ecological impacts of our works and keep the land uptake during the river widening works to a minimum in order to preserve the original characters of the rivers.

Kai Tak River Improvement Works

Improvement works were carried out mainly to enhance the drainage capacity of the Kai Tak River, alleviating the flood risks in Choi Hung Road and surrounding area. In addition to upgrading drainage capacities, we are also taking this opportunity to incorporate aesthetic, greening, landscaping and ecological elements, thus revitalising the nullah into the first urban green river along a serene emerald corridor.

Revitalisation of Tai Wai Nullah, Fo Tan Nullah and Jordan Valley Nullah

DSD plans to revitalise the existing Tai Wai Nullah, Fo Tan Nullah and Jordan Valley Nullah with aims to enhance the ecological value of the nullah, provide a greener environment, promote water friendliness and improve the community environment for building a livable city.

While upgrading the sewage treatment facilities to meet the development needs, DSD also attaches importance to the links with the community. In the design process, the community’s inclusive elements such as public open space and landscape facilities are incorporated for the purpose of public enjoyment in the drainage facilities. The construction of a community-integrated livelihood facility will make drainage facilities more accessible to the public.

Roof greening can mitigate air pollution in urban areas, lower indoor air temperature, reduce building energy consumption, beautify building appearance and create wildlife habitats to improve biodiversity of the surrounding environment. In 2018-19, we carried out roof greening for nine DSD facilities.