How HK$1.34 billion transformed drab, musty nullah into smart river in Hong Kong
Project overhauling Tsui Ping River in Kwun Tong has added smart gate linked to weather forecasting, seven new walkways and wetland area
Once a drab musty-smelling nullah, the Tsui Ping River that has helped prevent flooding in Hong Kong’s Kwun Tong for decades has taken on a new life with the construction of a smart water gate and seven new pedestrian walkways, as well as the addition of mangroves and bird perches.
The revitalised watercourse, which stretches for 1km (.06 miles) along King Yip Street that connects the Tsui Ping area to Kowloon Bay, will officially reopen on Thursday after the completion of a four-year project by the Drainage Services Department.
The overhaul also boasts more recreational space and green areas with the addition of six new viewing decks and a wetland.
“The revitalisation works have improved the environment, ecology and landscape of the previous King Yip Street nullah,” said Ian Wan Cheuk-keung, chief engineer of the department’s drainage projects division.
“Apart from improving the flood control capacities, the works were also aimed at turning the nullah into a vibrant river.”
The project, which cost about HK$1.34 billion (US$172.3 million), is part of the government’s Energising Kowloon East Conceptual Master Plan intended to turn the area into a core business district.
One of the new key facilities is a smart water gate, installed downstream, that rises and falls according to the tide, helping to stabilise the waterway so the riverbed is not exposed as it was previously.
