Civil Engineering Department of the University of Hong Kong announced Monday its research project on improvement in water drainage which led off the university's Research Excellence Series.

The improvement in water drainage project aims at solving serious flooding problem during rainy seasons in north-western part of Hong Kong Island.

With a densely populated hillside of a wide range of residential blocks including some premium properties, the project provides a safe conduit for rainwater through a tunnel to an outfall structure on the west side of the island, said Joseph H.W.Lee, a professor of the university's Civil Engineering Department.

According to Lee, a Vortex Intake device is suggested to be used so that the underground drainage system will have dual benefit of relieving storm flow in downstream urban areas in districts such as Western and Kennedy Town.

Besides, difficulty of constructing or enlarging drains and culverts in urban areas and the resultant disruption to traffic that may ensue could be avoided.

The Vortex Intake project is a significant piece of the university's research achievements, and exemplifies the collaboration between academia, industry and the Hong Kong government. It is one of the many water-related research projects by the university that directly benefits the community.