Atop this hill stands a silent guardian Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 28. It watches over the land. Imagine life in 1902. Hong Kong was expanding. Water was essential.
Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 28 is more than a marker. It represents a pivotal time in Hong Kong’s development. It defines the boundaries of the Kowloon Reservoir’s water catchment area. This reservoir was the first in the New Territories.
In 1902, the government erected these boundary stones. They secured the water supply for a growing population. These stones marked the limits. They protected the vital water source. There were originally 32 such markers. Today, only 25 have been found.
Look closely at Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 28. It is a concrete pillar. It is a simple square shape. The top is almost pyramid-like. It stands about one meter tall.
You can see an inscription on its side. It reads “K.W.W. 1902 No. 28”. K.W.W. stands for Kowloon Water Works. The number identifies the specific stone. Most stones face away from the water catchment area. This defined the outer limits.
Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 28 is a link to the past. It reminds us of the importance of water management. It also shows us how Hong Kong developed. The stone is a silent witness to change.
In 2010, the Water Supplies Department surveyed these stones. They recorded their locations. Citizens have also discovered some stones. Sadly, some are missing. One has even toppled over.
These boundary stones are not officially recognized as monuments. There is a risk of damage or loss during construction. It is hoped that the government will protect them. They are important historical artifacts.
Kowloon Water Works Boundary Stone No. 28 and its counterparts tell a story. They speak of careful planning. They reflect the needs of a growing city. They stand as a reminder of our history. They connect us to the past.