************************************************
Building Safety Week 2015, which is organised by the Buildings Department, was launched today (March 14). Featuring diverse activities, the event aims to help members of the public better understand building safety messages and foster a building care culture.
Addressing at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, said building safety is a very complicated matter involving different issues. If a problem is not dealt with properly it will deteriorate further, as buildings in Hong Kong are ageing, he added.
"The Government has implemented a series of measures covering legislation, enforcement, assistance to owners in need as well as publicity and public education to enhance building safety in Hong Kong by adopting a multi-pronged approach.
"Property owners have a responsibility for ensuring the safety of their buildings. They should manage and maintain their properties properly to safeguard public safety and improve the living environment. We also need other stakeholders including occupants, building professionals, property management companies, contractors and workers to pay attention to building safety voluntarily and properly. In this regard, we are committed to helping various sectors understand the importance of building safety and fostering a building safety culture through diversified public education and publicity campaigns," said Mr Chan.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Director of Buildings, Mr Hui Siu-wai, said all stakeholders should shoulder their responsibilities to ensure building safety. He urged members of the public to care about their buildings and not to carry out unauthorised or dangerous building works.
Other guests officiating at the ceremony were the Managing Director of the Urban Renewal Authority, Ms Iris Tam, and the Assistant Director of Home Affairs, Mr Franco Kwok.
Buildings Safety Week 2015 runs from today to March 20 at the Jockey Club Innovation Tower at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. It is open to public from 10am to 7pm and admission is free. Programme highlights include the Building Safety Carnival, a 3D mapping show on building safety, a building safety exhibition, and a series of innovative workshops and seminars.
For the latest updates on the event, please visit the official Facebook fan page of Building Safety Week 2015 (www.facebook.com/BDBSW).
Ends/Saturday, March 14, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:24
NNNN
