The flooding situation on Island West will be greatly improved when a major rainwater tunnel construction project is completed in 2011, Secretary for Development Carrie Lam says.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Mrs Lam said a flooding storage reservoir and a pumping station are being built in Sheung Wan. It is expected to be ready before next year's rainy season. She urges residents and shop operators there to be tolerant and take preventive measures themselves before the works are finished.

Two drainage services teams were stationed in the district's flooding blackspots last night to help dredge drains, she said, adding drainage work will be enhanced this year.

Construction of rainwater tunnel systems will also start in Lai Chi Kok and Tsuen Wan at the end of the year. The entire project will involvecost about $6 billion.

On slope safety, Mrs Lam said the Geotechnical Engineering Office is closely monitoring slopes near roads and residences, and is conducting necessary emergency works.

Temporary accommodation readily available

Stressing people's safety is of prime importance, she said the office will inform the public immediately once it detects potential risks. If evacuation is warranted, youth hostels and holiday camps can also be deploy used for temporary accommodation besides vacant public housing units.

Mrs Lam added the office has strengthened more than 7,000 manmade slopes in the past 30 years, and will proceed to deal with natural slopes with a target of shoring up 30 or more each year.

She said the Civil Engineering & Development Department's regional directors will co-ordinate with all works departments in clearing up in the aftermath of rainstorms or typhoons.