“First reservoir built post-WW2”. Those words might not sound like much. But they signal the start of an essential chapter in Hong Kong’s history. We are standing before the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Memorial Stone. It marks a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s development.
The Tai Lam Chung Reservoir was the first reservoir built in Hong Kong after the Second World War. Construction began in 1952. It finished in 1957. The Governor, Sir Alexander Grantham, officially opened it on December 7th of that year.
Imagine the challenges. The post-war city was growing. It desperately needed a reliable water supply. The Tai Lam Chung Reservoir was the answer. It has a storage capacity of 20 million cubic metres. The reservoir was formed by a main dam across the Tai Lam Chung Valley. Three subsidiary dams cross an adjacent small valley.
The area around the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir had poor soil. It was often affected by hill fires. Afforestation work began in 1952. Many different species of plants were cultivated around the reservoir. This strengthened the structure of its catchment area.
The construction of the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir had a profound impact on local communities. Several villages were flooded. These included Tai Lam Village, Tai Wai Village, Kan Uk Tei Village and Wu Uk Village. The government relocated villagers from Tai Lam Villages and Kan Uk Tei Villages. They resettled in the Tai Uk Wai Villages.
In the late 1960s Hong Kong faced severe water shortages. The government began importing water from Dongjiang in China. This water was transferred to the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir. It became vital in Hong Kong’s water supply system.
Today the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir is also known as “the Thousand Island Lake of Hong Kong”. This is due to its scenic views. When the water level drops low you can still see the remains of the flooded villages.
The Memorial Stone of Tai Lam Chung Reservoir is more than just a marker. It represents resilience, innovation and community. It reminds us of Hong Kong’s journey to becoming the vibrant city it is today. Take a moment to appreciate the history beneath your feet. Consider the legacy of the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Memorial Stone.