Dr Christopher KM Hui 許建名醫生
9 February 2025
香港中華醫學會 (HKCMA) 的成員在蛇年展開了一次令人難忘的旅程。在香港繁忙的都會生活中,這次船遊為大家提供了一個放鬆心情、聯絡感情的機會。沿途的三地各具特色,每個目的地都充滿了探索的樂趣。
首先,荔枝窩的客家村莊有著傳統的建築和豐富的歷史。鴨洲是一個以天然美景聞名的小島。大家可以享受島上的新鮮海鮮,體驗道地的風味。最後,我們去了吉澳了解當地的漁民文化,並在廟宇前,為香港中華醫學會未來的一年祈福。
整天的旅途中,歡聲笑語不斷。大家不僅欣賞了沿途的自然風光,也深化了彼此的友誼。
On the crisp morning of Sunday, February 9, 2025, 70 doctors, family members, and friends from the Hong Kong Chinese Medical Association (HKCMA) gathered at the pier, eagerly anticipating a day of exploration, camaraderie, and cultural immersion.
Organized by the HKCMA’s Social Committee, the day-long boat trip to the picturesque villages of Lai Chi Wo, Ap Chau, and Kat O promised a blend of natural beauty, historical discovery, and traditional cuisine. Led by Dr. Jane Chan, President of HKCMA, and Dr. Ho Chung Ping, Chair of the Social Committee, our group set off with high spirits, ready to create lasting memories.
Departure and Journey to Lai Chi Wo
The day began with a scenic boat ride from Hong Kong’s bustling cityscape to the tranquil northeastern New Territories. As the boat glided across the shimmering waters, the group enjoyed breathtaking views of the coastline and the surrounding islands under perfect conditions and clear blue skies. Highlights along the coast introduced members of the group to special archaeological rock formations with interesting local names such as “Crouching Tiger”, “Ghost Hand” and “The Face of Humanity”.
Plover Cove Reservoir: Civil Engineering Marvel
As the boat passed the Plover Cove Reservoir, the group learned about this keystone infrastructure project up-close, from views of the main dam. Plover Cove is the largest freshwater reservoir in Hong Kong. It was designed to solve the acute water shortages of a rapidly growing population throughout the early 1960’s. It is the world’s first freshwater coastal lake constructed entirely from an arm of the ocean.
Construction work commenced in 1960 and was completed in 1968, providing a capacity of 170 million m³. Work on raising the height of the dams began in 1970. Upon completion in 1973, the reservoir capacity was increased to 230 million m³.
The group learned that there are a total of 64 drainage channels along the main dam of the reservoir, to safely manage circumstances of overflow or drainage.
Of its time, it was one of the most ambitious projects in the world. The main dam, which disconnected Plover Cove from the sea, was one of the largest in the world at the time of its construction.
Despite the construction cost of over $348 Million dollars, together with $60 Million dollars for the associated water distribution networks, it has long withstood the test of time to reflect Hong Kong’s ingenuity, resolve and focus in leveraging our common resources towards resolving essential societal problems of the era.
Reflections were made on how we should always retain our humble roots at heart to provide for the needs of everyone in society, much like we aimed to do then, today.