WSD - Highlights of the Year

Having put in 36 years of conscientious and dedicated service in the Water Supplies Department, the former Director has now 'begun a new life,' though at a more leisurely pace.

"Life really begins at retirement", Mr M.S. Hu told colleagues at a dinner held in his honour in February.

An engineer by training, Mr Hu had joined the WSD early in his career. He had been deeply impressed by the work that had been done in this field of public service and found himself also wanting to be involved in the massive - and innovative - technology that went into the design of water storage facilities in Hong Kong. The improvements in the water supply services were a matter of justifiable pride for the people engaged in the work, he added.

It will be - 'All Systems Go'

While the world ponders the possible adverse effects on computers of the Year 2000 (Y2K) it will be 'all systems go' as far as the Water Supplies Department is concerned.

Barring unforeseen circumstances in the form of possible minor 'glitches', Hong Kong's water supply system should welcome in the New Millennium without problem. Steps to achieve this have been given top priority since 1996, and contingency plans have meanwhile been formulated to cope with unexpected problems.

Datac presentation marking the sucessful completion of Phase I of the Department's Y2K compliance project

Work carried out by consultants was completed in September 1998 on the first stage of upgrading the Hong Kong and Islands SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system - and the remaining upgrading work is scheduled for completion by June 1999, so that all the systems and equipment will be fully in compliance in good time.

To mark the completion of the Stage I upgrading work, the Chairman of the Consultant firm, Datac Control, Mr Cyril Kerr, presented a Y2K Certificate of Compliance to Mr M.S. Hu, former Director of Water Supplies, in the presence of the International Trade Minister of the Republic of Ireland, Mr Tom Kitt.

Facilities Praised

A visiting senior American Government official, the Honourable William Daley, US Secretary of Commerce, spoke highly of Hong Kong's state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly water treatment facilities during a visit in July 1998, when he was shown round the Ma On Shan Treatment Works.

Mr Daley had been among officials who accompanied US President Bill Clinton on a state visit to China and the Hong Kong SAR during the month.

Now in its sixth year of operation, the Customer Liaison Group has been serving as an important channel of direct communications with the public.

Members are randomly chosen from among registered customers in different districts and trade sectors - and since January 1999 they have been increased from 20 to 50 in number. Ten guest members are also invited from property management companies, the Housing Department, Housing Society, as well as the Government Property Agency among others to get together with our officers, usually every four months, for frank and open exchanges of views on services provided.

Public Interest in Water

Quite apart from the work of the Liaison Group, public interest in all matters relating to the supply of water was clearly evident at the open discussions held with WSD officers in February 1999.

In the first such seminar which was held for property owners' incorporations and management companies on the subject of 'Water Supplies to Buildings', a wide range of questions was asked on such common interest matters as maintenance responsibility for supply systems, water quality control, and pipe leakage, among other matters.

There was a frank and open exchange of views on both sides and various suggestions were made for the improvement of services to customers.

Due to space limitations, only 600 of the 800 persons who expressed interest could be accommodated at the four sessions of the seminar held on February 4 and 5.

In view of the overwhelming response, similar seminars will be held on a regular basis in the future.

Digital Mapping System

Work on the conversion of the paper water mains record plans to digital format, which began in May 1997, was completed in December 1998.

All data are now being updated by use of the digital mapping system for greater efficiency and for the exchange of information with other government departments and utility operators.

Visitors See Treatment Works

Commissioned in 1992 and expanded to 330 000 cubic metres capacity in 1995, the Au Tau Treatment Works was opened to visitors for the first time in December 1998. It serves Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai areas.

Technical Fault Report Centre

In September 1998, the two Technical Complaint Centres were centralised into a Technical Fault Report Centre.

The advanced computerised telephone system in use has enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency in handling technical fault reports and general enquiries.

Extension of Hours

Business hours at the Customer Enquiry Centres and Telephone Enquiry Unit have been extended - from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Saturdays.

Collection service hours at the Customer Enquiry Centres are from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays.

And as from April 1999, the service hours at the Wanchai and Mongkok Customer Enquiry Centres and the Telephone Enquiry Unit will be further extended by one hour to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

Career Prospects on Show

There was a great deal of interest shown in the WSD booth at the 9th Education and Careers Expo 99, jointly organised by the Trade Development Council and Labour Department in February 1999.

Information about career prospects and the various aspects of the work of the Department were attractively displayed in the booth. Our officers were on hand to tell of the latest employment prospects available to the young people in the service to Hong Kong.

Sea Water for Tseung Kwan O

With the completion of the sea water supply system, most of the areas in Tseung Kwan O New Town are now being supplied with sea water for flushing purposes, replacing the use of fresh water. Some 450 000 people who live in the area will benefit from the facility.

Befriending the Environment

Ever conscious of the need for protecting the environment, the WSD has taken part in various promotional campaigns organised by Friends of the Earth.

In support of the organisation's fund-raising Flag Day in July 1998, WSD staff worked keenly together and raised some $10,950. It was the largest sum raised from among the 25 Government departments also taking part.

In a later effort, held in October 1998, the Department set up a game booth in the Environmental Funfair 98. Its booth at the carnival named 'Save Every Drop of Water', drew several hundred participants despite the bad weather caused by a tropical storm.

Private Sector Participation Study

A study has been undertaken to determine if more private sector participation (PSP) of the water supply service would be more productive and cost-effective.

Started in January for completion in July 1999, the study was commissioned jointly by the WSD and the Business and Services Promotion Unit of the Financial Secretary's Office. Overseas experience in this matter will be taken into account in evaluating its suitability for Hong Kong. Staff discussions have been held about the possible effect of such a change on them, and all views arising will be taken into consideration in the final decision reached.

Certification

During the year, the Consultants Management Divisions obtained certification from the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency for compliance with ISO 9001.

Work towards this began in September 1997 with the appointment of a consultant to help prepare a Quality Manual and Operating Procedures, as well as a Handbook.

Having obtained the ISO 9001 Certification, the Divisions will be engaged in a continuous programme of surveillance as well as external and internal audits.

Making Clear the VMV

Measures were taken to promote clearer recognition among all staff of the Vision, Mission and Values (VMV) which form the basis of the Department's service to the public.

These included the production of a video, which was sent to the various divisions and regions for viewing and discussion by staff; the publication of a guide for the use of managers and a booklet for distribution to all staff.

In addition, a video compact disc (VCD) was also produced for staff to take home for viewing on their personal computers.

United Nations World Water Day

To celebrate the 1999 United Nations World Water Day some 200 representatives from the Estate Management Advisory Committee of the Housing Department were invited to visit the Pak Kong Treatment Works on Sunday, March 21.

Tap Water for Remote Villages

Since 1980, of the 744 villages in the New Territories identified for the supply of water, only 68 villages - with a total population of about 10,000 - remain to be provided.

Efforts will continue to supply the remaining 0.2 per cent of the people with potable tap water.

Tariff Freeze

The tariff freeze on most fees and charges for water was extended during the year for a further six months from March 1999.

There has thus been no change in charges for domestic and non-domestic water since February 1995, though fee adjustments have been made for other uses, such as for miscellaneous services and ocean going liners

Highlights of the Year

Looking Forward to a New Year