Seeking relief from the relentless Hong Kong heat? Let’s talk about WSD Cheung Chau Depot. Before 1955, imagine the island’s 20,000 residents relying on wells and water delivered by junk. The WSD Cheung Chau Depot stands as a testament to a pivotal moment in Cheung Chau’s history. It represents the arrival of a reliable piped water supply. Before the depot, life on Cheung Chau was challenging, especially during the dry winter months. Wells often ran dry. Water had to be shipped in, a costly and inefficient process. The South China Morning Post in 1954 announced a government plan. This plan aimed to build a dam on nearby Lantau Island. This dam, Shap Long Reservoir, would hold 35 million gallons of water. A pipeline laid across the seabed would carry 200,000 gallons daily to Cheung Chau. The WSD Cheung Chau Depot would then distribute this precious resource across the island. September 3, 1955, marked a turning point for Cheung Chau, thanks to WSD Cheung Chau Depot. District Commissioner K.M.A. Barnett ceremonially turned on a fountain. Water shot into the air, a symbol of progress and relief for the islanders. Children played in the spray, a joyful celebration of this vital resource. WSD Cheung Chau Depot became more than just a water distribution point. It became a symbol of modernization for the 200-year-old fishing community. Barnett acknowledged this in his speech, highlighting Cheung Chau’s transformation into a bustling town. WSD Cheung Chau Depot brought an end to water scarcity. It ushered in an era of growth and development for Cheung Chau.
Sai Wan Shan
Considering a hike today? Sai Wan Shan is calling us. Sai Wan Shan is a hill within Sai Kung East