Minzhi Reservoir

In 1959, a monumental gift was being crafted just north of Hong Kong. This gift, the Shenzhen Reservoir, was envisioned not just as a reservoir, but as a symbol of collaboration and a solution to Hong Kong’s growing water needs. Today, we stand before Minzhi Reservoir, a testament to that historical moment. Minzhi Reservoir, also known as Shenzhen Reservoir, was initially conceived to serve the local population. It would irrigate farmland, generate electricity, and provide drinking water for the Po On district. However, its destiny was intertwined with Hong Kong’s fate. The project, spearheaded by Tao Zhu and managed by Cao Ruoming, was fast-tracked, a remarkable feat considering the challenging circumstances of the time. Over 40,000 workers toiled tirelessly, using basic tools like shovels and carts, to complete the massive earth dam in just 100 days. They carved a vital artery into the landscape, a 30-meter high, 1000-meter long structure holding back millions of cubic meters of water. The construction of the Shenzhen Reservoir wasn’t without its dramatic moments. Typhoon Mary, in a twist of irony, filled the reservoir overnight, long before the planned two-year timeframe. This sudden deluge nearly caused disaster, as the spillway was still under construction. The quick thinking of the army, poised to demolish a temporary dam to release the pressure, averted a catastrophe. The completion of Minzhi Reservoir marked a pivotal point in the relationship between Hong Kong and Mainland China. The agreement signed in November 1960 solidified the reservoir’s role in alleviating Hong Kong’s water scarcity. It was a deal shrouded in political sensitivity, carefully negotiated to ensure mutual benefit while minimizing any perceived power imbalance. The water flowed south, a lifeline connecting two distinct entities. Minzhi Reservoir, originally intended for local use, became a shared resource, a symbol of a pragmatic partnership amidst complex political realities.