九龍水塘界石 No. 23

Whispers of history echo around Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 23. Here, on this small earthen mound, stands a silent witness to Hong Kong’s past. Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 23, a seemingly simple concrete obelisk, marks more than just a physical boundary. It represents a time when this area was undergoing a significant transformation. Erected in 1902, Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 23, along with thirty-one others, delineated the catchment area for the Kowloon Reservoir. This reservoir, constructed between 1901 and 1910, was a vital source of water for the burgeoning population of Kowloon. Imagine the bustling activity surrounding its construction, the workers toiling to create this essential resource. The boundary stones, inscribed with “K.W.W. 1902” and their individual numbers, served a crucial purpose. They marked the limits of the reservoir’s influence, the area from which water would be collected. Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 23 is a tangible link to this era of growth and development. It’s a reminder of the foresight and planning that went into providing water for a growing city. Sadly, not all of the original boundary stones have survived the passage of time. Some have been lost, moved, or damaged. Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 23 stands as a testament to the enduring power of history, a small yet significant piece of Hong Kong’s heritage. Look closely, and you can almost hear the echoes of the past whispering their stories.