Drainage system maintenance in Central & Western District will be stepped up, and ways to speed up the long-term solutions to flood risks will be explored, Deputy Director of Drainage Services Ko Wing-hon says.

He said the department will work with district councillors, the Harbourfront Enhancement Committee and Town Planning Board to implement drainage improvement projects as soon as possible.

Flooding in the low-lying areas of Sheung Wan on June 24 was mainly caused by extremely heavy rainfall coupled with a very high tide.

To tackle flood risks in Wing Lok and Hillier Streets and the vicinity, the department will start laying a one-kilometer long interceptor drain in Queens Road Central next year, and construct a stormwater pumping station in Sheung Wan.

"The interceptor drain and the flood pond, coupled with some temporary pumping facilities, will provide flood relief in the 2009 rainy season, ahead of the original schedule," Mr Ko said.

As a long-term solution to relieve flooding, the department will adopt fast-track measures to expedite the construction of a 10km stormwater drainage tunnel in Mid-levels in mid-2007. When completed in 2011, the tunnel will intercept stormwater from hillsides and divert it to Pok Fu Lam for discharge.