Hong Kong government organises Day Camp to increase awareness on slope safety

An educational initiative aiming in introducing secondary school students to the duties of geotechnical engineers was undertaken by the Hong Kong government early July. The Day Camp included a series of talks and hands-on activities for efficient understanding of the basic principles of soil mechanics. 

The Geotechnical Engineering Office of the Hong Kong government in collaboration with the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers organized a "Day Camp for Geotechnical Engineers of Tomorrow", with the purpose to inform secondary schools students on the duties of geotechnical engineers and increase awareness on slope safety. Overall more than 120 secondary school students from 17 schools in Hong Kong participated in the Day Camp.

The Day Camp was among the government's initiatives to promote slope safety and provided school students with information on the main duties and professional activities of geotechnical engineers along with information on how to become one. Later on, attendees had the opportunity to watch and participate in experiments and a competition for building the tallest sand castle, which helped them understand basic theoretical principles on soil mechanics as well as aqcuire basic knowledge on slope safety and landslide prevention.

Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Hon Chi-keung, at the award presentation ceremony for the camp's competition said, "The Geotechnical Engineering Office has developed a comprehensive and highly regarded slope safety system in phases since its establishment in 1977. Under the system, the landslide risk from man-made slopes has been reduced by 75 per cent. Nevertheless, the adverse effect of extreme rainfall on slope stability in Hong Kong cannot be underestimated. Members of the public should always stay vigilant against landslide risk."

Learn more on this day long event here!