**********************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of Housing Authority:
Members of the Housing Authority's Building Committee were pleased to learn that building works were back in full swing at two of the three construction sites regained control by the Authority earlier this year during a visit to the sites this (June 5) afternoon.
Two new building contracts for completing the remaining works at Redevelopment of Shek Pai Wan Estate Phase 2 and Fanling Area 36 Phase 2 were awarded last month. Work is expected to commence at the Fanling Area Phase 1 site after the awarding of a new contract later this month.
The Chairman of the Committee, Mr Ip Kwok-him, joined by Mr Stephen Yip Moon-wah and Mr Andrew Chan Ping-chiu first called on the site at Fanling Area Phase 2. They were glad to note that about 90 per cent of the domestic sub-contractors and construction workers employed by the previous contractor were re-employed by the new contractor.
"The new contractor has every advantage in employing nearly all the sub-contractors and construction workers of the previous contractor as they are familiar with the site conditions to facilitate fast-tracking the construction progress," Mr. Ip said.
The Fanling Area 36 Phase 2 contract comprising the remaining works to two 41-storey domestic blocks providing 1,598 flats, associated drainage and external works to be completed in 20 months. The contract also includes the construction of a refuse collection point and open carpark providing 112 parking spaces and estate road to be completed in 10 months.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Housing), Mr. Thomas Chan Chun-yuen, the party then went to the Redevelopment of Shek Pai Wan Estate Phase 2 construction site where they were briefed on the progress of the construction works and new measures in place to secure and monitor wages payment to workers.
Mr Ip expressed concern over the completion of the lift tower linking the housing estate blocks with the city centre in Aberdeen facilitating convenience for the 16,000 population at Shek Pai Wan Estate Phase 1 and Phase 2.
The party was told that the remaining works to four 41-storey domestic blocks providing 2,398 flats together with pedestrian link including lift tower and footbridge were expected to be completed in March 2007.
To facilitate the implementation of an auto-pay bank account system for the payment of wages to workers to avoid wage disputes, a smart card system was installed under which all workers were required to present their smart cards for gaining access at the rotating gates of the construction site. Their identities will be further cross-verified by the hand-palm system.
The party also met with the Labour Relations Officer who was appointed to work on site to identify any anomaly and report suspicious cases, complaints and defaults to the Labour Department for further investigation.
Before concluding the visit, the party chatted with the sub-contractors and workers, with over 95 per cent of them being former employees of the previous contractor. The contractors and workers were satisfied with the new measures to secure their wage payment.
Ends/Monday, June 5, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:17
NNNN
