The Heritage Office said the authorities will review the historical value of the newly discovered historic underground reservoir in the heart of Hong Kong, before deciding if the Water Supplies Department should go ahead with the demolition work.

The Mission Hill Sham Shui Po Fresh Water Break Pressure Tank, which features Roman-style design and was built as early as the 1900s, was found on top of Bishop Hill in Sham Shui Po on Monday. Part of the site was damaged by the time the construction work was called to a halt. Dozens of citizens gathered outside the fences to see the site and at least eight were issued HK$5,000 (US$644) fines for violating social distancing rules.

Speaking to the press after an inspection on Tuesday, Ivanhoe Chang, Commissioner for Heritage’s Office, said the authorities have started a thorough review of the site and will submit a report to the Antiquities and Monuments Office within the next few months. Architects, archaeologists, anthropologists and historians from the office will also study the reservoir to assess the grading of the historical site.

Chang said the construction work was allowed to take place due to miscommunication between the Water Supplies Department and the Heritage’s Office. “We received general information about the site. The mutual understanding was that it was a water tank. It was decided, based on the guidelines by the advisory board, that there was no need for further follow up,” he said. Chang also apologized to the public for the incident, which he described as “isolated and rare”.

The office has also reminded relevant departments to be more cautious when handling large-scale construction works that may involve heritage sites, Chang added. Ho Lai-wa, chief engineer of the Kowloon region of the Water Supplies Department pledged to work closely with the office for the review. The department will also add reinforcement bars to ensure the structures are sound.

Lastly, Chang reminded the public not to visit the site as it is still closed for inspection and may have safety concerns.

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