Water pipe history and condition, as well as social and traffic impacts are factors setting their replacement priority, Deputy Director of Water Supplies Chan Chi-chiu says. The schedule will be revisited carefully to see if works can be expedited.

Speaking on radio talkshows today, Mr Chan said Hong Kong's water supply network involves 7,000 kilometres of pipes of different ages. About 1,000 monitoring points have been set up to keep an eye on the pipes' condition.

Minimising wastage

He said Hong Kong people annually consume 900 million cubic metres of water, of which 25% is wasted during water pipe seepage or bursts. The wastage rate is similar to other places in the world.

To minimise wastage, the department started a phased 20-year replacement programme in 2000, involving 3,000 kilometres of pipes.

Under study

While the works have been progressing as scheduled, Mr Chan said the department will study whether the programme can be expedited, taking into consideration social and traffic impact as well as the cost required.

On Wednesday��s water pipe burst in Queensway, Mr Chan said there was no delay to the repair work, adding that close ties among Government departments and public utilities have been maintained. An electronic platform is also available to exchange information on underground facilities.