Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are installed at the ozone building’s rooftop and on the roof of the filtration tank to generate electricity for the water treatment works facilities. The WSD will also explore the possibility of installing solar power systems to the rooftops of the remaining water treatment facilities to maximise energy efficiency.

Ir NG recalled a potentially serious incident on Christmas Eve when the scheduled water suspension and diversion schedule were about to begin. While waiting for the operation to start and with dozens of staff from different divisions and engineering teams in place, the monitoring staff identified an abnormal drop in water pressure in the supply network. This was unexpected and immediately put stress on the entire plan and the capability of the work teams.

The problem implied a possible seepage or leakage in the water mains or connection points with a potential bursting risk. The original scheduled diversion scheme was immediately put on hold to implement the emergency plan to investigate the location of the suspected leak. This was achieved by comparing and analysing the pressure data while adjusting the water pump discharge, as well as the opening and closing of valves to trace and narrow down the potential location of the problematic section. It was followed by careful observation and excavation on site to confirm the location of the problem.

Ir NG outlines how they solved the issue, "We made use of the instant messaging group we had earlier set-up when planning the diversion works. Colleagues were then able to keep in close contact, as well as to disseminate the real-time information, such as water pressure, water levels, valve opening or closing conditions, and formulate action plan for different scenarios using the experience and knowledge of team members. You could feel the dedication of the whole team, all working closely to solve the problem and find the best solution of benefit to all. Suddenly, without any of us noticing, it was midnight on Christmas Eve! Collectively the group studied plans for every possible scenario and agreed that the repair, cutting and diversion works could still all be done if the leak could be identified before 2a.m. This would allow the work to be completed in one go and by the start of the morning peak demand period at around 6.30a.m. "Although the leak was identified till at 3a.m., the main leakage was fortunately controllable. The team immediately stabilised the leaking pipe and maintained an adequate supply on the following day, while closely monitoring the situation and scheduling to complete the repair works on the following night when the water consumption is at its lowest. Despite a stressful night to locate and fix the leak, the spirit of the whole team remained high. During the Christmas holidays, the team continued reporting through the instant messaging group to ensure preparations remained on track.

Neighbours overlooking STWTW soon noticed the unusually brightly-lit water treatment works at night during the Christmas holidays and made telephone enquiries. Fortunately, the team were proud, but relaxed to advise that the necessary diversion works were successfully completed without disturbing everyone’s Christmas celebrations.

There are 20 water treatment plants in Hong Kong and their useful life-span runs for more than 50 years. Opportunities to participate in the construction of new water treatment works are therefore rare. Ir NG, who majored in civil engineering at the university, had previously worked in the Highways Department and the Drainage Services Department before joining the WSD. Although there are similarities in the management of engineering projects between different departments, there are also significant differences in the required professional knowledge. For example, pipe networks look similar, however the discharge of drainage and sewage is mainly designed to fall by gravity without pressurisation, whereas the supply of treated water is achieved with pressure. Furthermore, the filtration and treatment of sewage and drinking water are very different in terms of purposes, technologies deployed and the processes and chemicals involved. As for the construction of roads, bridges and tunnels, these obviously require professional knowledge distinctly different from water services.

Ir NG joked that his water treatment knowledge still remained at the theory level, similar to university study without much practice. So, for his new role, he worked sleepless nights familiarising himself with project details by studying office files, emails, past records, documents, design calculations and standards, operation and maintenance manuals, and any relevant source of knowledge after first joining the department. He also took every opportunity to share and discuss with colleagues from other divisions and teams and through working meetings to grasp useful work knowledge and information.

Ir NG explains that having soft skills in project management is important and that, "In this era of artificial intelligence, when technology and machinery are gradually replacing many human tasks, the value of humans often lies in the ability to respond and perform, even under ever-changing and emergency situations by making decisive decisions using optimum solutions.” He emphasised that, “The key to do this surely lies in a thorough understanding of the underlying theories, principles and content of each task. It is only when one has the relevant knowledge and actively learns from the experience of people in different positions that a task can be truly and well delivered; in particular, to achieve our fundamental mission of serving the public. You need to have the professionalism, attitude and ethics to do the right thing in engineering, if not all professions. I believe that when you work whole-heartedly and honestly without making shortcuts or bargaining, your colleagues and working partners, such as consultants and contractors, will show the same respect on projects and together try to achieve something great.”