Safe slopes save lives: The Lands Department is set to conduct ground investigation, maintenance and improvement works on over 4,000 slopes and retaining walls in the New Territories.

The Lands Department is inviting tenders for ground investigation, maintenance and improvement works on more than 4,000 slopes and retaining walls in the New Territories.

The tender notice for the related contract was gazetted today.

Under the contract, the scope of works covers 40 slopes and retaining walls for ground investigation, about 3,800 for routine maintenance and 80 for upgrading and improvement.

The works are scheduled to start in September and be completed in 2007.

Tenders should reach the Central Tender Board before July 25.

Ground investigation works comprise drillholes, trial pits, field and laboratory testing while the routine maintenance works involve clearing and repairing surface drainage channels, repairing and replacing slope surface protection, as well as clearing loose debris and vegetation.

For upgrading and improvement works, they mainly consist of installation of soil nails, construction of retaining walls, cutting back of slopes to a gentler angle, and improving drainage and slope surfacing.

Upon completion, the 3,800 slopes and retaining walls will meet the maintenance standards as set down in the Guide to Slope Maintenance.