The replacement of ageing water pipes will be expedited, Secretary for Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says, hoping the task can be completed in 12 to 15 years.

Commenting on the burst water main in Queensway today, Dr Liao said the Government has guidelines on water pipe renewal, and priority will be given to those made of cast iron or asbestos cement.

"Apart from that, we also want to look at the history of these pipes, whether they have a record of leakage and bursting, and above all, whether they are functioning properly," she said.

Dr Liao said the Government will conduct better surveying to verify the condition of pipes, adding it is not reasonable to change every pipe under commercial areas. She said there is a database on underground pipes and a computer system has been set up to enhance the data.

On the Queensway incident, she said it is necessary to improve the culture of communication among departments so they can formulate strategies much more quickly in future.