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An inter-departmental meeting was held today (March 8) to discuss joint enforcement action by relevant government departments against the illegal site formation opposite Kingswood Villas in Tin Shui Wai. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), the Planning Department (PlanD), the Buildings Department (BD), the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), and the Lands Department (LandsD).
A government spokesman said, "Government departments attach great importance to the case. The relevant departments will take appropriate action to safeguard public safety. Follow-up action will also be taken against all illegal activities in accordance with the law."
Inspections by the BD and the CEDD have revealed that there is no indication of imminent collapse of the soil fill. However, as the fill materials were found to be loose due to the lack of proper compaction, the side slopes of the fill are potentially unstable and may become dangerous. Having considered the professional advice of the CEDD, the BD will serve orders to the owners of the concerned pieces of land under section 27A of the Buildings Ordinance (BO), requiring them to take measures including appointment of professionals to undertake an investigation of the land and submit a remedial proposal to ensure public safety and commence urgent shotcreting work for the provision of a protective cover within one week to prevent deterioration of the situation in rainy season. If the owners fail to comply with the orders, the BD will appoint default work consultant to carry out the specified investigation and prepare a remedial proposal as well as arranging the BD contractor to carry out the relevant works under section 27A(3) of the BO. The BD will then recover the full cost of the work, together with a supervision charge and a surcharge of not exceeding 20 per cent on the cost of the work from the owners.
The concerned site is mainly zoned "Recreation" and partly "Green Belt" on the Ping Shan Outline Zoning Plan. Any filling of land or excavation of land shall not be undertaken without the permission from the Town Planning Board. Currently, the PlanD is collecting further evidence. Should there be sufficient evidence to confirm that the works constitute an unauthorised development under the Town Planning Ordinance, appropriate enforcement action will be taken to require the land owners to stop the unauthorised development.
The EPD also found that the site formation works did not observe the regulations stipulated under the Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation to prevent dispersion of dust. The EPD is contacting the responsible person for gathering evidence to institute prosecutions in accordance with the law.
"As investigations by various departments are still under way, more law enforcement operations or prosecutions may take place in the future," the spokesman said.
The spokesman reminded all those involved in the planning of any development proposal that they must comply with the legal procedures and requirements. If any contravention of legal requirements is found, the relevant government departments will take strict enforcement action.
Ends/Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:57
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