Maunsell Consultants Asia has completed a preliminary feasibility study into plans to build a US$220m drainage tunnel under Hong Kong landmark The Peak to prevent flooding in the central business district and Wan Chai.
Drainage Services Department senior engineer Jonathan Leung Man-ho told T&T International that the proposal has been sent to the government before a formal financing submission is laid before legislators.
He said: "We’re not sure when funding might be approved," but added that, once the green light was given, consultants would be invited to tender for the detailed design.
Plans call for the construction of a 10.3km long tunnel to carry storm-water beneath Hong Kong Island for discharge into the sea in the south west of the island. The 8m diameter tunnel, to be built under Mount Davis, Victoria Peak, Mount Gough and Jardine’s Lookout, will be able to discharge up to 200m3 of water a second into Telegraph Bay. Seventeen shafts are also planned on the project. Leung said: "We have been lucky there has been no serious flooding on the island. Construction could start in 2006, with completion in 2010."
