The name “Kai Tak” was originated from the Kai Tak Bund development in the Kowloon City District. Kai Tak Nullah was continuously modified to suit the development needs of the vicinity. Experiencing about a century of transition, Kai Tak Nullah is geographically, and also historically bonded with the surrounding districts and even the entire Kowloon Peninsula, and witnessed the development and changes of Hong Kong.

Early Years

Prior to the 20th century, a number of streams wound through the hinterland of Wong Tai Sin towards the sea.+

Prewar

The first phase Kai Tak reclamation for the residential district of Kai Tak Bund was completed in 1920 and the natural streams nearby were connected to Kai Tak Nullah and extended to the sea. In 1930, Kai Tak Bund was re-constructed by British Royal Air Force as Kai Tak Airport.*

WW II

During Japanese Occupation, buildings around the Kai Tak Airport was forcefully demolished by the Japanese troops for extension of the airport. Kai Tak Bund was demolished and Kai Tak Nullah was re-routed.#

1950s

In late 1950s, Kai Tak Nullah has undergone a series of changes following the urban development and extension of the Airport.*

1980s

Apart from storm water, Kai Tak Nullah also received some polluted flow from expedient connections in the hinterland. To improve the water quality in the nullah, the Government has taken a series of measures such as constructing dry weather flow interceptors to intercept the polluted flow back to the existing sewer network and implementing the Tolo Harbour Effluent Export Scheme, whereby treated effluent from Shatin and Tai Po Sewage Treatment Works was conveyed to the nullah for continuous flushing.

Now

The Government is carrying out the design of the Kai Tak Nullah improvement. Taking the opportunity of improving the nullah, we plan to work with the public on the planning and design of the Kai Tak River.

+ Source: Public Records Office, HKSAR Government Records Service

* Source: Kowloon City District Heritage, 2005. Acknowledgement of support from HKU Professor C.Y. Sin, Associate Professor K.W. Fung, Associate Professor Henry W.O. Yeung, and Kowloon City District Council

# Source: © British Crown Copyright/MOD