Letters | Water pollution is sad and real in Hong Kong’s New Territories
- It is extremely challenging to find a solution because of strong resistance from vested interests. Meanwhile, streams that were once a source of life lie neglected
First, let’s praise both the Water Supplies Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for the wonderful jobs they have done providing clean water and keeping reservoirs all over Hong Kong in tip-top condition.
When the indigenous villagers of Hong Kong first settled here, their first criterion for a place to live was proximity to a stream or a reservoir that could meet farming and daily needs.
Elderly Hakka women speaking of their lives before the Water Supplies Department’s service lines were connected to their households tell of the shared hardship of carrying water by the bucketful from low-lying streams uphill to their homes. Elderly men often speak of the joy of playing in the streams (swimming or catching fish, shrimp and crab). However, they do not want their grandchildren to play in the streams because of possible infection.
Since the Water Supplies Department began serving every household in Hong Kong, the indigenous villagers have not needed to use stream water and these streams have gradually fallen into neglect.
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Volunteers send food to keep wild cows alive on Hong Kong’s desolate Tap Mun
While hiking near stream areas, one may notice that household rubbish is dumped near them, and that some of it finds its way into streams. One may also observe how household sewage is flowing down the stream.