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The Buildings Department will today (November 12) start to gazette the newly established register of minor works contractors. Names of minor works contractors who have obtained registration under the new system will be gazetted in batches. This is to facilitate the full implementation of the minor works control system on December 31, 2010. The register will also be uploaded on to the Department's webpage (www.bd.gov.hk) for the reference of members of the public in due course.
"In order to encourage and facilitate frontline minor works practitioners to register as minor works contractors (individual) so that they can carry out minor works in compliance with the law from December 31, 2010, onwards, the Department has adopted a series of new measures. We have also reprioritised our work and deployed additional staff to handle the potential increase in the number of applications," said a spokesman for the Buildings Department.
The spokesman added that the processing time for registration applications (individual) would be shortened. These applications, if submitted on or before November 30, 2010, should be processed within one month (instead of two months previously), i.e. before the date of commencement of operation of the minor works control system on December 31, 2010, provided that all required supporting documents were duly provided and in order. Such a "fast track" registration arrangement would be extended to all applications submitted by individuals on or before March 31, 2011, in order to enable more practitioners to obtain registration in the early stages of the system's implementation.
In addition, the Department will extend the subsidy provision on application fees for applicants relying solely on experience to applications submitted up to March 31, 2011. This arrangement was originally intended to apply to applications submitted on or before December 29, 2010 only. With the above extension, the registration fee will stay at $155 (instead of $305) for frontline practitioners who apply for registration before the extended deadline.
The Department will also continue to subsidise recogonised mandatory training courses. Full subsidy will also be provided to minor works contractors attending recognised mandatory training courses for Class III minor works until October 2012.
"Individuals or companies who wish to contract for the carrying out of minor works on or after December 31, 2010, are urged to register with the Buildings Department as soon as possible, so that you can legally carry out minor works as a registered contractor," the Department spokesman stressed.
The minor works control system aims to simplify the existing statutory procedures in order to provide a lawful, simple, safe and convenient means for building owners to carry out small-scale building works, such as the installation of supporting frames for air conditioners and drying racks.
The Department spokesman reiterated that from December 31, 2010, onwards, any person intending to carry out minor works should engage a registered minor works contractor to do so. The Buildings Department will carry out inspections to ascertain compliance with the statutory requirements and ensure the quality and standard of the minor works carried out. Disciplinary and prosecution actions will be taken against non-compliance.
Upon commencement of operation of the minor works control system, it will be an offence for a person to conduct minor works without engaging a qualified minor works contractor, and for a practitioner to carry out minor works for which he is not registered.
The Buildings Department would continue to launch extensive publicity and public education campaigns, including TV and radio announcements in the public interest. General guidelines on the minor works control system, pamphlets and posters will be distributed to property management companies and the public to introduce the statutory requirements of the new system. Technical guidelines will also be issued to the registered minor works contractors and practitioners for their reference.
The Department will provide technical advice to building owners, practitioners and other stakeholders. Enquiries about the minor works control system can be directed to the BD by email (enquiry@bd.gov.hk) or telephone (2626 1616 handled by 1823 Call Centre). Further information about the minor works control system can also be found on the department's website (www.bd.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, November 12, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:30
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