Number of Hong Kong’s bleak concrete waterways could be transformed under revitalisation plan
Dozens of rivers and nullahs have been shortlisted for possible redevelopment
At least 45 of Hong Kong’s drab, concrete-edged rivers, now void of any life or greenery, could get new leases of life after being shortlisted for possible revitalisation.
Four of these – Tai Wai Nullah, Tuen Mun River, Jordan Valley Nullah in Kwun Tong and the Fo Tan Nullah in Sha Tin – have been identified as having the greatest potential for greening and landscaping work, biodiversity improvements and even for water sports, according to Edwin Tong Ka-hung, the city’s drainage chief.
If all goes to plan, work to give Jordan Valley Nullah a facelift could begin as soon as 2019.
“Even if we can’t allow people to go near the water, we will still do greening work so as not to make [them] look like such a drab, concrete drains,” Tong said.
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The options are a result of a three year consultancy study launched in 2015 to assess the revitalisation prospects of the city’s 228 rivers and nullahs and to compile a proper database. After preliminary assessments, 45 made the cut, having met the criteria for factors such as water quality, flow, accessibility and development density. The feasibility study will be completed before the end of 2018.
