Letters | Historic underground reservoir deserves preserving for Hongkongers’ enjoyment
- The decision to suspend demolition works must be applauded. The authorities should next study the structure’s history to determine an appropriate heritage grading for it
The balance tank, featuring a series of arches built of granite and red bricks and aqueduct dated 1909, was discovered during demolition work of the service reservoir on top of Bishop’s Hill. The structure could be one of the earliest public works of the New Kowloon area, following the lease of the New Territories to Britain in 1898.
There is no lack of well-preserved pre-war waterworks that, as declared monuments, bear considerable aesthetic and historical significance throughout Hong Kong, from hiking trails to recreational grounds. The Sham Shui Po service reservoir, if well maintained, could be an invaluable asset for the community.
01:19
Demolition of Hong Kong old reservoir halted after calls for heritage assessment
The historic site has been saved from the bulldozers for now and I welcome the decision to suspend the demolition work on Bishop’s Hill. I also urge the authorities to declare the balance tank a proposed monument.
In the meantime, plans should be prepared to study the history of the water work, ascertain an official historic building grading and preserve the site for the public’s enjoyment.
Ben L. Tsang, Yuen Long