Site inspection: Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao inspects river training works in Ta Kwu Ling.

Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao today visited North District to inspect river training works at a flooding blackspot in Ta Kwu Ling.

To solve the problem, the Drainage Services Department launched the $115-million Ping Yuen River Regulation Project in May 2003.

Dr Liao learned that with the completion of the project in February, flooding in nearby areas, including Ping Che Road and Ta Kwu Ling villages like Chow Tin Tsuen, Lei Uk, Fung Wong Wu, Tong Fong Tsuen and Lin Ma Hang, will be significantly reduced.

The secretary was also briefed on the progress of flood prevention works in the northwestern part of the New Territories. The department has completed about $4.1 billion in works to alleviate flooding, while another $600 million in works are in progress.

Upon the completion of the improvement works for major river channels progressively in 2007, the overall flooding situation in the northwestern New Territories will be greatly improved.

Dr Liao also visited the Hong Kong Golf Club to see the venue for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events. The 5.7km course will be used as one of the venues for staging the cross-country event.