The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, visited the Buildings Department (BD) today (July 31) to meet with its management and front-line staff to better understand the department's work and challenges.
 
     Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Law first met with the Director of Buildings, Mr Cheung Tin-cheung, and the directorate staff. He was briefed on the department's work on promoting building safety and improving the quality of building development.
 
     Later, at the Building Information Centre, Mr Law learnt from front-line staff that members of the public can visit the Centre in person or apply online for the viewing and copying of building and minor works records as well as occupation permits for private buildings.

     Mr Law also toured the section under the Existing Buildings Division which is responsible for building safety of private buildings in Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing and Tsuen Wan Districts. From the briefing by front-line staff, Mr Law learnt about the enforcement actions taken by this section against unauthorised building works, dangerous buildings and defective drainage systems in those areas.

     Before concluding his visit, Mr Law met with staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters that concerned them. He praised colleagues for their commitment to improving the built environment and upholding building safety, and encouraged them to continue to provide quality services.

Ends/Monday, July 31, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:22

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