WSD holds Water Save Carnival at HarbourChill in Wan Chai (with photos)
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The Water Supplies Department (WSD) is holding the Water Save Carnival from today (December 5) until December 15 at the HarbourChill in Wan Chai. Under the theme “Save Water Today for a Sustainable Future”, the carnival aims to encourage members of the public to save water and work together to create a sustainable future without water shortages.
In her opening speech, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the country has been providing Dongjiang water to Hong Kong since the 1960s to resolve Hong Kong’s water shortage and ensure the prosperity and stability of the city. Earlier this year, the Pearl River Delta Water Resources Allocation project was commissioned to divert water from the Xijiang River, enabling dual sources of water supply from the Dongjiang River and Xijiang River, and further safeguarding the security of Hong Kong’s water supply. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang’s water supply to Hong Kong next year, the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the WSD will hold a series of events to deepen the public’s understanding of the history of Dongjiang’s water supply and the country’s support provided to Hong Kong to overcome water supply challenges.
Ms Linn added that the DEVB and the WSD are implementing the Total Water Management Strategy with an emphasis on containing the growth of water demand and exploiting new water resources. The WSD will strengthen water conservation through public education, adding that the Water Intelligent Network will be enhanced to reduce water mains leakages. Also, the WSD will exploit new water resources by developing desalination and expanding the use of lower-grade water.
Delivering his welcoming remarks, the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong, said everyone needs to face water shortages. Hong Kong’s average daily water consumption per person rose to 150 litres during the pandemic. The consumption is 50 per cent higher than that recommended by the World Health Organization (i.e. 50 to 100 litres). As such, the WSD continues to promote water conservation through different publicity events with a view to appeal to the community to work together to save water.
The opening ceremony featured celebrities participating in interactive games with the mascot, Water Save Dave. They shared valuable tips on everyday water-saving practices with the audience and sang the theme song “Droplet is Love” alongside the Droplet Boy Band to promote cherishing water resources.
Other officiating guests attending the event today included Legislative Council members, Mr Lau Kwok-fan and Mr Chu Kwok-keung; the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Water Supplies, Professor Joseph Kwan; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Aided Primary School Heads Association, Ms Kathy Chung; and the Chairman’s Representative of the Subsidised Primary School Council Mr Ma Chung-tsun.
The carnival features a variety of activities, including water conservation workshops, interactive games, and Water Save Dave meet-and-greet sessions, etc. A giant crystal droplet is set up on-site, allowing the public to step inside for photos. All activities at the carnival are free of charge. Some of the activities require pre-registration. Members of the public are welcome to join. Details are available on the thematic webpage.