Was it necessity or foresight that led to the creation of this vital water source? Today, we find ourselves before the Huangkeng Reservoir. It is a place where nature’s beauty intertwines with human ingenuity.
The Huangkeng Reservoir is more than just a body of water. It is a testament to Shenzhen’s growth and its commitment to providing for its people.
Shenzhen faced rapid population growth after the war. This growth strained the existing water supply. Colonial leaders were forced to find new water sources. The Shenzhen Reservoir became the answer to this critical need.
In 1959, Guangdong authorities extended an invitation to Hong Kong. They were invited to the opening ceremony of the Shum Chun Reservoir. This is now known as the Shenzhen Reservoir. The project was approved quickly. Work started immediately under Cao Ruoming. He was the head of the Shenzhen Reservoir Project.
The reservoir was designed to provide water for “Hong Kong compatriots”. Its capacity reached 45.77 million cubic meters. This could supply a city of three million people for seven months.
Premier Zhou Enlai closely followed the project. He assisted in securing key materials. The Shenzhen Reservoir aimed to irrigate farmland. It would also generate electricity and supply residents. Supplying water to Hong Kong was always a priority.
The chosen area lies 3.8km north of Hong Kong. It sits in hills with a catchment area of 60.5 hectares. The dam is made of compacted earth. It spans between two hillsides. The structure stands 30m high and almost 1000m long. Its total volume is around 1.8 million m3.
The Shenzhen Reservoir’s capacity was twice that of Tai Lam Chung. Tai Lam Chung held 20 million m3. It was the largest reservoir in Hong Kong at the time.
To prevent water overtopping, a spillway was built. It runs through the hillside between the dams. This design protected the dam from erosion. It also provided a safe discharge route. Villages within the valley were relocated for the reservoir’s construction.
In January 1960, Guangdong officials offered water to Hong Kong. Hong Kong faced an acute water shortage. However, Governor Black hesitated to depend on the mainland supply. This new source addressed the short-term problem. It also presented a political opportunity for the mainland government.
To minimize political risks, Hong Kong took measures. They included a formal agreement with competitive rates. This avoided the appearance of charity. The agreement was not signed by high-ranking officials. It acknowledged the supply was only for times of need.
Construction began with over 10,000 migrant workers. They used basic tools. The workforce increased to 40,000 to meet deadlines. They worked long hours with limited rations.
An 18-year-old girl named Zhang Jingai became famous. She was known as the “flying girl”. She worked on the construction site. The dam was completed in just 100 days. It became known as the “100 days dam”.
Typhoon Mary caused torrential rain in June 1960. The reservoir filled overnight. The incomplete spillway threatened the dam. The army prepared to blow up a temporary dam to release water. The storm subsided just in time.
A pipeline had to be built to Hong Kong. Securing steel for the pipeline was difficult. A delegation went to Beijing to secure the necessary steel.
The Waterworks Office built a pumping station. It pumped water through a 1.2m diameter steel main. This ran to a Tai Lam Reservoir catchwater.
The Shenzhen Reservoir stands as a symbol. It showcases collaboration and resilience. It continues to provide essential water resources. It has supported the growth of both Shenzhen and Hong Kong.