(Seasonal Highlights) Kai Tak River

The approximate 2.4 kilometres Kai Tak River (known as Kai Tak Nullah in the past) is one of East Kowloon’s major drainage channels, as per Drainage Services Department (DSD). Due to urban developments and extreme weather conditions, serious flooding occurred in Choi Hung Road during rainstorms, affecting nearby residents. As the nullah did not meet the current flood prevention standards, DSD implemented river improvement works in stages to improve the 1.1 kilometres section of the nullah in Wong Tai Sin, in order to improve the drainage capacity of Kai Tak River and mitigate flooding risk of surrounded area. Construction works commenced in stages from October 2011 and were completed in 2018. DSD also seized the opportunity to improve the scenery of the local urban setting and provide leisure place for the public to enhance overall living environment of the area. To this end, greening and ecological elements were included in the Kai Tak River Improvement Works to revitalise this water body into an urban green river corridor that links the river closely with the local neighbourhood. DSD set up a trail along Kai Tak River in Wong Tai Sin district. It starts at Shatin Pass Road and ends at Prince Edward Road East with 10 panels in different locations along the 1 kilometre riverbank of Kai Tak River. History of Kai Tak River and information of the drainage improvement works are introduced to the public.

The approximate 2.4 kilometres Kai Tak River (known as Kai Tak Nullah in the past) is one of East Kowloon’s major drainage channels, as per Drainage Services Department (DSD). Due to urban developments and extreme weather conditions, serious flooding occurred in Choi Hung Road during rainstorms, affecting nearby residents. As the nullah did not meet the current flood prevention standards, DSD implemented river improvement works in stages to improve the 1.1 kilometres section of the nullah in Wong Tai Sin, in order to improve the drainage capacity of Kai Tak River and mitigate flooding risk of surrounded area. Construction works commenced in stages from October 2011 and were completed in 2018. DSD also seized the opportunity to improve the scenery of the local urban setting and provide leisure place for the public to enhance overall living environment of the area. To this end, greening and ecological elements were included in the Kai Tak River Improvement Works to revitalise this water body into an urban green river corridor that links the river closely with the local neighbourhood. DSD set up a trail along Kai Tak River in Wong Tai Sin district. It starts at Shatin Pass Road and ends at Prince Edward Road East with 10 panels in different locations along the 1 kilometre riverbank of Kai Tak River. History of Kai Tak River and information of the drainage improvement works are introduced to the public.
Surrounded by residential areas and former industrial areas in East Kowloon, Kai Tak River is the major drainage channel contributing blue-green infrastructure to the area.
The addition of aquatic planting enhances the river ecology whilst creating a more aesthetically pleasing river corridor.
The improvement in the river ecology increases fish stocks and attracts birdlife like this egret.
Given the limited space to add planting to the revitalised river, Bougainvillea (<i>Bougainvillea spectabilis</i>) is used effectively to create an attractive border to the river.
Artificial rocks combined with split face stone panels provide an attractive enclosure to the river.
Existing roadside trees help contribute to the scenery of the river, provide amenity to pedestrians whilst performing an important ecological role.
Kai Tak River is connected to Park No.1 of Morse Park. The open design of the park extends the view of the river and enhances the sense of space. The park is also a green open space and a sitting out area for visitors.
Bridges with glass balustrade were built over Kai Tak River to provide connectivity to either side of the river. The bridges offers visitors the opportunity to get closer to the water and observe the bird and fish life within.
To provide habitat and refuge for fish, fish shelters and flow deflectors were added along the river to induce variations in river flow direction and velocity.
Artificial rock planters combine with the river structure the river and include hidden soil pockets that foster plant growth.
The revitalised river design enhances the drainage capacity of Kai Tak River and reduces the incidences of flooding at the intersection of Choi Hung Road and Tai Shing Street, which is a part of the major road network serving Wong Tai Sin and San Po Kong.
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