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The Coroner's Court today (August 16) returned the verdict on the death of four people during the collapse of a building at 45J Ma Tau Wai Road in January last year. The Buildings Department (BD) conveys its deepest condolences again to the relatives of the victims. The department respects the verdict and will seriously consider the recommendations in the verdict.
"We have always attached great importance to building safety. Both our building surveyors and structural engineers are competent professionals with the required professional qualifications and ample experience. They will continue to enhance building safety in Hong Kong with unfailing efforts," the BD spokesman stressed.
"It is the owners' basic responsibility, which they cannot shirk, to maintain the safety of their properties. We call on them to regularly inspect and repair their buildings to ensure their safety and stability. This would also reduce maintenance costs in the long run. Property owners should comply with the repair or removal orders issued by the BD as early as possible. They should engage registered professionals and registered contractors to carry out the necessary works to ensure building safety," the spokesman added.
The spokesman said that when conducting an inspection according to the established procedures, in addition to inspecting the structural members such as columns and beams, the BD staff would inspect other conditions and defects of the building. They would also follow up on the case in accordance with their professional judgment, the relevant enforcement policy and the provisions of the Buildings Ordinance. This includes the issuance of advisory letters and repair orders. The BD would actively follow up on these orders and make sure that the respective property owners would repair their buildings properly.
To further enhance building safety in Hong Kong in the long run, the Administration has, last October, announced plans to adopt a package of new measures in a multi-pronged approach. The measures cover four major aspects: legislation, enforcement, support and assistance to owners, and publicity and public education.
The BD has embarked on a number of large-scale operations starting in 2011-12, including the inspection of dilapidated buildings. The annual target of such inspections is 500 buildings. In addition, the Minor Works Control System (MWCS), which has come into operation since the end of last year, provides a lawful, simple, safe and convenient means for owners to carry out small-scale building works including common building repair works and removal works of unauthorised building structures. The BD will closely monitor the progress of the implementation of the MWCS. The Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme (MBIS), the legislation for which has been passed by the Legislative Council, would also help to ensure that owners of old buildings regularly inspect and repair their properties. The Administration is preparing the relevant subsidiary legislation, to be tabled at the Legislative Council for scrutiny shortly with a view to implementing the MBIS as soon as possible.
The BD will continue to promote the culture of building safety. This is to motivate owners to proactively maintain their properties, comply with the requirements of the law and engage qualified registered practitioners to conduct the necessary repair and maintenance works. Appropriate technical and financial assistance will also be provided to the property owners in need.
Ends/Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 21:50
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