The issue surrounding the Sham Shui Po Fresh Water Break Pressure Tank has already been brought up in a district council meeting back in 2017. The WSD deemed it unnecessary for use since the water supply system in the Sham Shui Po area is already accounted for, and therefore concluded that the site should not fall under the purview of their department, and was exploring handing it over to the Lands Department for management.
According to minutes from the 2017 district council meeting, an expert had concluded that the water tank had problems with its structural safety and was not suitable for opening to the public. It was also mentioned that the demolition of the freshwater break pressure tank might necessitate the levelling of the hillside area substantially.
Apart from obviously wanting to see a historical site preserved instead of being torn down, another reason that Hongkongers local to the Sham Shui Po and Shek Kip Mei area are contesting this government decision is because the area around Bishop Hill has long been used as a friendly neighbourhood space. The reservoir structure itself may have long been abandoned, and the area at the top of the hill is fenced away, but that hasn’t stopped locals from venturing in and reclaiming the urban space for their community.