I've got another 'old Hong Kong waterworks' puzzle for this week's newsletter. Unlike the recent pouring pipe mystery, this one took much longer to solve. It all started around ten years ago, back in a time of tadpoles.
Looking for tadpoles, finding pillars
This tunnel was part of the first section (phase) of the Shing Mun Valley Scheme. It is marked (I) on the map below.
This tunnel was part of the first section (phase) of the Shing Mun Valley Scheme. It is marked (H) on the map below, connecting the South Conduit (G) to the Reception Reservoir (I).
The conduit was part of the first section (phase) of the Shing Mun Valley Scheme. It is marked (G) on the map below, connecting the North Tunnel (F) to the South Tunnel (H).
Part of the first section (phase) of the Shing Mun Valley Scheme.
It was completed in late 1925, and is described in item 224.d of the PWD's Annual Report for 1925:
(d). North Conduit.—A Contract for $70,801.00 was let in February to Mr. Ng Wah who made excellent progress and completed the works by the end of the year. It commences at the termination of the Temporary Conduit in the Gorge below Pineapple Pass and discharges into the North Tunnel below Smuggler’s Ridge.
This tunnel was part of the first section (phase) of the Shing Mun Valley Scheme. It is marked (F) on the map below, connecting the North Conduit (E) to the South Conduit (G).
The completion of the project is mentioned in item 47.iv of the PWD's Annual report for 1897. I've highlighted the comment about the "roof formed of brick arching", which suggests it is similar in style to the service reservoir at Bishop's Hill, unless it has been rebuilt at some point.
One of two reservoirs that appear on the 1889 map. They are labeled Sugar Works Reservoirs. Possibly built at the same time as the Sugar Refinery.
Was demolished about 1970 and used for housing estates and Taikoo Primary School.
The very first dam in Hong Kong was built at Pokfulam. A masonry dam was built across "Pokfoolum" valley to collect rainwater. For the transport of water to Victoria, a ten-inch cast-iron pipe was laid from the reservoir along todays Pok Fu Lam Road to finally Bonham Road. The work was finished in 1863, the reservoir had a capacity of 2 million gallons (9100 m3). The dam was near the (todays) Jockey Club PHAB Centre, the reservoir stretched out to near Douglas Castle.
In 1978, the old dam was demolished in construction works.
Source:
In direct continuation of Watford Road you'll find a big aqueduct (several meter high concrete pillars).
Anybody has followed this round the hill to the end? I suppose it ends in Aberdeen Reservoir somehow.