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In response to a press report today (April 21) on the building settlement at Pak Tin Estate affecting Cheung Tin House and Shing Tin House, a spokesman for the Housing Department (HD) assured tenants that the settlement is normal and the two buildings are structurally safe.
"There is absolutely no need for tenants to worry about their safety," he said. "We have posted notices at the blocks and have briefed the chairmen of the two mutual aid committees to this effect.
"It is regrettable that the unduly sensational headline of this report has caused unnecessary alarm to our tenants," the spokesman said.
"As a standard practice, the HD monitors the settlement of all new buildings through different measures including placement of settlement markers at the blocks. The difference of 38mm recorded by the markers between Cheung Tin House and Shing Tin House is the result of different piling systems under these two buildings, which though standing next to each other are two separate blocks. This settlement is normal and there is absolutely no cause for alarm."
Regarding the reports of burst water pipes, peeling off of mosaic tiles and detection of cracks, the spokesman said these were signs of normal wear and tear in buildings.
"These issues are not related to the normal settlement of the two buildings and they are being dealt with under our regular maintenance and repair programmes.
"All our buildings meet stringent structural safety standards on completion and we maintain a regime of continuous monitoring after the construction phase until such time as settlement is stabilised. We also maintain all buildings to a high standard after intake. As a responsible landlord, the safety of our tenants is a top priority," the spokesman said.
Ends/Thursday, April 21, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:55
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