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The Total Maintenance Scheme (TMS) launched earlier this year would enable the creation of more job opportunities in property management, facility management, building surveying and construction and maintenance management, the Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Housing), Mr Thomas Chan Chun-yuen, said today (March 20).
"Although the expenditure on all maintenance and repair works generated by the TMS amounts to $6.3 billion over a five-year period, or $1,260 million per year, the benefits resulting will prove to be money well spent," Mr Chan told the Surveyors Lunch hosted by the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors.
Describing the TMS as turning a new page in the history of building maintenance in Hong Kong, Mr. Chan said it was built on a three-pronged approach.
"First, to identify maintenance problems proactively and comprehensively; second, to respond promptly to emergencies and tenants' requests for repairs; and third, to enhance communication and promote building care culture amongst our tenants and service providers," he said.
Outlining the major initiatives under the TMS, Mr Chan said that Inspection Ambassadors, most of them surveying graduates, would be appointed to provide one-stop service for in-flat inspections and arrange for minor touch-ups on the spot as required.
To keep track of in-flat maintenance work and monitor estate improvement programmes, Mr Chan said, a flat-to-flat maintenance database would be set up to record maintenance history throughout the building life of the estates.
"A maintenance hotline will be established through which a one-stop service will be provided for tenants to lodge their complaints," he said, adding that feedbacks from tenants on the service satisfaction level would also be sought and followed up.
Noting that the Housing Department relied heavily on property service agents and maintenance contractors to deliver quality maintenance initiatives, Mr Chan said the tendering awarding process and contract renewal strategy would be reviewed and the quality auditing process streamlined to tighten regulatory actions against adverse performance.
"We will cascade the TMS initiatives through various means of publicity including pamphlets, posters, road shows, Housing Channel, tea gatherings with tenants, Estate Management Association Committee. Maintenance Education Paths, located at different districts, will also be established to create greater publicity impact," Mr Chan said.
Ends/Monday, March 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:07
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