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The following is issued on behalf of the Housing Authority:
In response to media enquiries on the sales arrangements for the flats at Tin Chung Court of Tin Shui Wai and other flats under the surplus Home Ownership Scheme (HOS), a spokesman for the Housing Authority (HA) said today (July 25), "To follow the spirit of the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance and to enhance transparency of the sales arrangements for the flats sold under the surplus HOS phase 7, the HA agreed to allow prospective buyers to view the selected flats on-site before signing the Sale and Purchase Agreement.
"The objective of this arrangement is to enable the buyers to better understand the actual layouts, views and surrounding environment of the flats in order to assist them in deciding whether to complete the transactions. In this connection, detailed inspection will not take place when they view the selected flats. The usual practice is for the buyers to conduct detailed flat inspection after the handover. In fact, the buyers will have ample time to inspect the provisions within the flats, including the electricity and water supply facilities. For any defects identified which are not caused by the buyers' improper conduct or negligence, the buyers can give written notice to the HA within one year from the date of completion of sale and the HA will be responsible for rectifying the defects."
The spokesman pointed out that the hollow sound of the tiles is the result of natural shrinkage of the adhesive between the tiles and the wall. This should not be considered as a sign of debonding. There is a proper waterproofing system installed beneath the tiles of walls and floors which will offer proper protection against water seepage under normal operation in the kitchens and bathrooms. The HA will not replace wall tiles with a hollow sound unless they peel off.
The spokesman reiterated, "As the HOS development has been completed for many years, the fittings and fixtures of the domestic units may not have a fresh outlook. With due consideration to environmental protection, those features that are functioning properly will not be replaced. The contractor of the HA also conducted performance tests, repair and replacement works to all finishes and fittings of flats in the two blocks between October and December in 2012, including the inspection of the electricity and water supply facilities within the flats. All the defects found during the inspection have been repaired or replacements have been made."
Ends/Thursday, July 25, 2013
Issued at HKT 13:02
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