Hong Kong’s water supply network is set for major upgrades, with all cast iron and asbestos cement pipes to be phased out within the next decade, Chief Executive John Lee announced in his Policy Address on Wednesday.

Lee said that during the initial years of the upgrading programme, the government will focus on replacing pipes in areas with higher concentrations of public housing estates and elderly residents.

“By adopting a risk-based approach, we will replace or rehabilitate a total of 350 kilometres of aged water mains, at an average rate of 70 kilometres per year, double that for 2026-27,” he said.

“We will focus on replacing cast iron and asbestos cement pipes in areas such as Shau Kei Wan, Wong Tai Sin and Kwai Tsing, where there are more public rental housing estates and elderly residents. The target is to have all cast iron and asbestos cement pipes phased out over an estimated 10-year period.”

Lee added that the objective is to reduce water pipe bursts and serious leaks by 20 to 30 percent within the first five years.

The administration will also collaborate with universities and private enterprises to establish an “Intelligent Water Network Closed-loop Management Chain” featuring real-time monitoring, AI-driven prediction and leak detection.

The aim is to roll out the system across the entire water supply network within five years of the smart system's launch.

An expert group on waterworks comprising local and overseas specialists will also be established to review the long-term management strategy for the city's water network.


Edited by Aaron Tam