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In an open letter to the Chief Executive issued on August 17, 2011, the Civic Party and Caring Hong Kong considered that construction at the new Government Headquarters was being completed in a rush and called on the Government to put the relocation on hold immediately. The Administration Wing issued a reply in response to the letter on August 24.
A spokesman for the Administration Wing said today (August 26) that, in the reply, the Administration Wing has expressed its deep regrets with regard to the accusations of the omission of necessary works with a view to completing the project early to meet the wishes of senior officials.
Regarding news reports which suggested that the contractor has omitted necessary works for early completion, the spokesman pointed out that the Architectural Services Department has followed up on each and every point raised and affirmed that the construction works are in compliance with requirements.
He added that the contractor is responsible for fulfilling the terms and conditions of the contract to ensure safety and quality, and to complete the project on time.
"As with any other new building, there are areas which require rectifications and adjustments at the early stage of moving in. However, we must emphasise that the Administration has always attached great importance to personal safety. Therefore, building safety is of top priority. The Architectural Services Department will strictly implement quality control and will not accept works not in compliance with requirements," the spokesman said.
The spokesman also noted that the Tamar Development Project has been conducted in accordance with a predetermined timeline which is not decided by the Chief Executive.
"According to the contractual timeline, the project started in 2008 for completion in this year. As the relocation will involve more than 3 500 personnel in different departments, it has always been our plan to start the relocation from this summer. Individual departments will be relocated to Tamar in phases by the end of this year with regard to their actual operational situation," he said.
The spokesman made it clear that there is no reason to put the relocation to Tamar on hold at the present stage.
Ends/Friday, August 26, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:56
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