Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir is the last but the largest of the four impounding reservoirs of Tai Tam Waterworks Scheme built between 1883 and 1918. Tai Tam Harbour is situated at the estuary of Tai Tam Tuk on the south-east of the Hong Kong Island.

There are newly identified pieces of evidence which provide the missing link of the Dam construction. The remains of To Tei Wan quarry which used to supply the granite for the construction and of the pier at Tai Tam harbour are just a significant few.

In connection with the Tai Tam Tuk reservoir construction, people involved are categorized into the following five groups:

• The descendants of original villagers of the submerged Tai Tam Tuk Village.
• The fishermen with their boats anchored at Tai Tam Harbour, whose connections with Tai Tam Tuk villagers have been briefly mentioned by James Hayes.
• The Engineer and Overseers during the design and construction of the Dam. Daniel Joseph Jaffe was the Engineer-in-charge and was instrumental in finalization of the Dam location.
• Hundreds of workers and quarry workers during construction of the Dam.
• Current residents in Tai Tam Harbour.

The Dam was completed in October 1917 and was officially celebrated in February 1918. Year 2017, which marks the centenary of the Dam, is hence deemed as high time to unveil and analyse an interdisciplinary array of evidence of the history of the Reservoir construction.

The Speaker

Dr. S.W. Poon is a chartered structural engineer and currently he is an Adjunct Professor of The University of Hong Kong. In recent years his research interest extends to the construction history in Hong Kong and heritage lighthouses in Hong Kong. 

Time: Reception opens 6.30p.  Lecture begins 7.00pm

Admission: Free of charge

Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk in advance to reserve your place