Following is a question by the Hon Wu Chi-wai and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Yau Shing-mu, in the Legislative Council today (May 10):

Question:

     The Hong Kong Housing Authority is currently implementing a lift modernisation programme, under which the condition of the lifts in public rental housing (PRH) estates which have been in service for over 25 years is reviewed, and the lifts are replaced according to the priorities set. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the respective names of the PRH estates in which lift (i) inspection and (ii) replacement works were undertaken in each of the financial years from 2010-2011 to 2016-2017; the dates on which such works were undertaken and the costs involved, in respect of each PRH estate (set out such information in a table);

(2) of the names of the PRH estates aged over 25 years in Kwun Tong and Wong Tai Sin districts, and set out in a table the following information in respect of each estate:
(i) whether lift inspection works have been undertaken, and the dates on which such works were undertaken/are expected to be undertaken; and
(ii) whether lift replacement works have been undertaken, and the dates on which such works were undertaken/are expected to be undertaken;

(3) as I have learnt that the specifications of the lift wells in certain aged PRH estates are different from the prevailing ones, which result in longer time taken for lift replacement works, of the differences between the specifications of the lift wells in PRH estates aged over 25 years in Kwun Tong and Wong Tai Sin districts and the prevailing ones, as well as the respective timetables for replacing such lifts by the authorities; and

(4) given that for some aged PRH estates, each floor is served by only one lift, of the measures the authorities have in place to ensure that the access of residents of those PRH estates (particularly elderly persons and wheelchair users) will not be affected during the period of lift replacement?

Reply:

President,

     All lifts in public rental housing (PRH) buildings under the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), irrespective of their servicing age, are maintained in a timely manner in accordance with the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap 618) as well as the requirements in the Maintenance Contract to ensure that the operating conditions are safe. HA has also been implementing the Lift Modernisation Programme (LMP) to improve the living environment for PRH tenants in older PRH estates. Under the LMP, annual condition assessment and checking are conducted by HA for all lifts that have been operated for 25 years or more. Taking into account factors including the overall operating conditions of lifts, deployment of resources, etc., HA will formulate a timetable for renewing the lifts concerned.

     My reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Wu Chi-wai is as follows:

(1) Under the LMP, contracts of lift modernisation for 607 lifts in 27 PRH estates have been awarded during the period from 2010 to 2017. The scope of works covers the replacement of lift system together with necessary building structure alteration for compliance with the prevailing statutory requirements. The total cost for the said works is about $830 million. Details are at Annex I.

(2) Up to the first quarter of 2017, there are 19 PRH estates with buildings aged over 25 years in Kwun Tong and Wong Tai Sin districts, among which the lift modernisation works of eight estates have already been completed; while the works for four estates are being carried out in stages and the modernisation works of some of the lifts have already been completed. For the remaining PRH estates, HA conducts an annual condition assessment for lifts that have been operated for 25 years or more under the LMP.  HA will conduct necessary study and proceed with the modernisation works. Details of the above lift modernisation works are at Annex II.

(3) When modernisation works are found necessary in PRH buildings, irrespective of their design and age, HA will install new lifts with necessary building structure alteration works in compliance with the prevailing statutory requirements. Lifts of different servicing ages in PRH buildings were completed in accordance with the different statutory requirements at their respective times.  Hence, the designs of lift machine rooms, lift wells and lift pits (such as structural specifications, dimension and shape) differ from one to another. Moreover, the actual usage conditions of individual lifts vary. Therefore, the installation time required for the works under the LMP may also vary for individual buildings. HA project teams, having conducted detailed site investigations, will assess the complexity of the work and determine the time required. In general, the replacement of a lift takes around eight to eleven months.

(4) In the course of conducting the LMP works, services of some lifts will have to be suspended. HA understands that such works will affect PRH tenants, especially the elderly or wheelchair users. In view of this, during the design stage of the works, project teams will brief local District Council members and Estate Management Advisory Committee members regarding the design and the work process and seek their views.

     Prior to commencing the works, project teams will post up notices to inform tenants of the details of the works, such as commencement dates, estimated completion dates, affected areas, etc. Electrical staircase climber will be arranged for use by tenants in need, such as the elderly and wheelchair users, throughout the installation period. If tenants have special reasons (such as health or livelihood issues) which rendering them unable to continue to live in their PRH units, they may consider applying for a flat transfer. HA will endeavour to assist and arrange them to transfer to units on a floor with lift service.

Ends/Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Issued at HKT 12:30

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