River Project Vitalises Urban Habitat

Spanned by footbridges and shaded by greenery, the open nullah at King Yip Street in Kwun Tong has undergone a remarkable transformation. Now known as Tsui Ping River, the revitalised waterway brings the Government’s “River in the City” concept to life.

New life

In implementing the project, the Drainage Services Department worked hard to enhance both the ecology and landscaping of the river. More than 50 Chinese banyan trees now line the riverbanks, forming a precious green corridor.

Bird perches, rock pools, and aquatic plants were introduced, while parts of the concrete riverbed were replaced with natural materials to make the habitat more welcoming of biodiversity. These improvements breathe new life into the former nullah.

Precise control

In order to lower the risk of flooding, meanwhile, part of the riverbed was also deepened, and a smart water gate was installed to manage water levels effectively.

Drainage Services Department Senior Engineer (Drainage Projects) Antony Wan explained: “Tsui Ping River is operated by a precise control system which is linked to the weather forecast system of the Hong Kong Observatory. It collects river water or tidal level data through the water level monitoring devices installed in the river. Through data analysis, the system controls the operation of the Tsui Ping River according to real-time conditions.

“The smart water gate installed at the downstream of Tsui Ping River can adjust its rise and fall according to the tidal flow to regulate the water level and stabilise the water body. When the river water flows downstream, a waterfall effect will be created to ensure drainage capacity and enhance the waterscape.”

Mr Wan added that during inclement weather, or when there is a high water level at the upstream, the smart water gate will be lowered to the riverbed level to maintain the normal drainage capability of the river.

The smart water gate not only regulates tidal flow but also minimises unpleasant odours caused by the river drying up. In addition, dry-weather flow interceptors were installed on Shui Wo Street, King Yip Street and Wai Fat Road to intercept polluted dry flow from storm drains and divert it to the sewerage system, thereby reducing the flow of pollutants entering the Tsui Ping River.

Cultural change

In recent years, the Government has been keen to promote a water-friendly culture, which includes turning rivers into spaces that attract people. On the Tsui Ping River, a floating pontoon has been installed. Connecting to both banks, it rises and falls with the tides, offering a unique walking route for residents and visitors.

The department’s mascot, “Drainy”, appears in 75 different illustrations along the river, inviting people to record their walks with a selfie or two. Meanwhile, a total of six cross-river walkways, including one that connects Cha Kwo Ling and the Kwun Tong Promenade, enhance the waterway’s accessibility for nearby residents.

Vibrant district

The Government is dedicated to turning Kowloon East into a Green Core Business District.

Energizing Kowloon East Office Senior Works Consolidation Manager Cheng Wai-ho outlined that in implementing the Tsui Ping River project, the authorities aimed to transform the former nullah into a green and vibrant urban artery and create an open public space centred on the river.

“Driven by the Energizing Kowloon East initiative, Kowloon East has been transformed into a unique, attractive and vibrant central business district,” he said. “At present, Kowloon East has the highest density of green buildings in Hong Kong. We hope that Tsui Ping River will become a new landmark of Kwun Tong, attracting more multinational companies, financial institutions and startups to Kowloon East.”

Besides attracting businesses, the district continues to expand its recreational spaces. The Government’s aim is to develop Kowloon East into a vibrant central business district that supports a harmonious work-life balance for inhabitants.