I refer to the letters from Brian Crockford (South China Morning Post, January 28) and others expressing concern over the installation of railings along paths adjacent to our catchwaters within the country parks. The Water Supplies Department (WSD) has, in fact, been progressively doing this sort of work for a number of years in response to requests from district councils and other government departments. Railings were installed along the Aberdeen West catchwater a few years ago and we received no negative feedback. Therefore, the recent outcry against railings we are installing along some of the Tai Tam catchwaters took us somewhat by surprise. In any case, thanks to public-spirited citizens like your correspondents, it is now obvious from the views expressed that while some may appreciate the added safety the railings provide, a fair number of users of the trails hold different views. In the light of this, we have stopped further installation work on site and we are reassessing the matter, especially regarding the necessity of putting up railings on both sides of the path. We will critically examine the actual site condition at each location and take into account local views when deciding on future installation of railings. In the process, we will give due consideration to maintaining the convenience of trail users and the environment of the country parks. Regarding Mr Crockford's concern on the safety of the steep concrete steps at the hillside of Tai Hang Road near Wong Nei Chung Gap, the concrete steps were intended solely for the use of WSD staff to operate and maintain the water mains laid alongside the steps and the service reservoirs uphill. These steps are not designed for public use. We shall put up noticeboards advising the public not to use them. Your correspondent Andy C. Neilson (Post, January 25) expressed concern about the improvement works which were carried out at Mount Davies Fresh Water Service Reservoir. This reservoir stores treated water for supply to the western and southwestern area of Hong Kong Island. It is a key waterworks installation requiring security protection. The service reservoir is fenced off to keep vandals out so as to guard against possible contamination to the treated water stored there. In the past few years, the old fencing had deliberately been damaged on many occasions. It was, therefore, replaced with more durable fencing. We have also reconstructed the access road leading to the reservoir, because after 40 years, it was in a dilapidated state. The opportunity was taken to upgrade the surface drainage system of the road to prevent rainwater infiltrating into adjacent slopes and causing slope failure. As regards the piles of rubbish mentioned by Mr Neilson, our contractor tidied up the site after completing the improvement works. We have also reminded other contractors who are currently carrying out slope improvement works within the reservoir area, under the supervision of other government departments, to keep their sites in a tidy condition. ROGER LAM Senior Engineer/Customer Relations Officer Water Supplies Department
