Many Engineering Issues and Challenges Met in Development of Hong Kong

Abstract

The development of Hong Kong as a port dates back to the mid‐19th century, but its real growth to become an important international center in trade, finance, and manufacturing only started forty years ago. The sharp increase in population after World War II placed a strong demand on water, housing, transport, and land. The rapid expansion in the economy provided great opportunities for physical development to satisfy such demand. This paper describes how engineering has helped to meet the needs of the people. Water is no longer a real problem, housing largely provided, transport continuously improved, adequate sites being formed for various land uses, and the current emphasis is placed on port and airport development. The large varieties of types of work, with their magnitude and complexity, have imposed great challenges on the engineers. Many international consultants and contractors are attracted to this so‐called super construction site in the world, bringing with them innovatory designs and construction technique as contributions to the prosperity of Hong Kong.