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A number of services provided by the Buildings Department, Planning Department and Lands Department will no longer be offered on Saturdays from next month.
From July 1, these departments will adopt the Government¡¯s five-day week initiative, but essential services will not be affected by the move.
The Buildings Department¡¯s Receipt and Despatch Counter, which receives applications for various permits and plans under the Buildings Ordinance, the Building Information Centre and other services, will cease to operate on Saturdays.
But the department will continue to provide round-the-clock services to handle emergencies relating to building safety. Surprise audit checks of construction sites will be maintained from Mondays to Saturdays. The department¡¯s general enquiries and complaints hotline will also remain unchanged.
The various service standards and performance targets under the department¡¯s performance pledge that was previously promulgated would not be affected by the changes. For enquiries, please call the general enquiries and complaints hotline, 2626 1616 or visit the department¡¯s website, www.bd.gov.hk.
The Buildings Department¡¯s new opening hours, with effect from July 1, are as follows:
The Receipt and Despatch Counter will open from 8.30am ¡ª 5.15pm from Monday to Friday and will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays and general holidays. The Building Information Centre will open from 9am¡ª 5pm from Monday to Friday and will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays and general holidays. Other services will open from 8.30am ¡ª 5.30pm from Monday to Thursday and 8.30am ¡ª 6pm on Friday and will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays and general holidays.
The Planning Department¡¯s two Planning Enquiry Counters at North Point and Sha Tin will be closed on Saturdays and their service hours will be extended on weekdays.
The new opening hours will be as follows: 9am to 5.30pm from Monday to Thursday and 9am to 6pm on Fridays. Enquiries can be emailed to enquire@pland.gov.hk or faxed to 2877 0389.
The counter for the Town Planning Board Secretariat in North Point, which receives planning applications, will also switch to a five-day week from July 1. Its new opening hours will be 9am to 5.30pm from Monday to Thursday and 9am to 6pm on Fridays. Planning applications can also be posted to the Town Planning Board.
All service counters of the Lands Department will be extended from Monday to Friday, but will be closed on Saturdays and public holidays with effect from July 1.
Those seeking services from the Lands Department including general enquiry services, land administration services (such as small house applications, government rent and premium enquiries), and survey and mapping services (such as sale of maps) are advised to make enquiries/appointments by phone during the new office hours. They may also apply for services by post, fax (2868 4707) or email (landsd@landsd.gov.hk).
For enquiries, call the Lands Department Enquiry Hotline, 2231 3294.
Separately, the opening hours of the Land Registry¡¯s public service counters will continue to operate on Saturdays at this stage. For enquiries, call the Land Registry Customer Service Hotline, 3105 0000.
Ends/Friday, June 16, 2006
Issued at HKT 21:19
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