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An owner was fined $97,250 for failing to comply with a removal order which required the removal of unauthorised building works (UBWs) erected in a single family house in Sai Kung, issued under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap 123), at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts on June 16.
Inspection by staff of the Buildings Department revealed that there was an unauthorised basement. The building works were carried out without prior approval from the Building Authority (the Buildings Department), contravening section 14(1) of the Buildings Ordinance. A removal order was then issued to the owner of the house, under section 24(1) of the Buildings Ordinance.
The Buildings Department later instigated prosecution to the owner who failed to remove the UBWs upon the expiry of the removal order. The owner pleaded guilty at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts on January 27 and was fined $97,250 on June 16. The relevant rectification works by the owner are now in progress.
Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the Buildings Ordinance. The maximum penalty upon conviction is one year's imprisonment and a fine of $200,000, as well as a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.
Ends/Friday, June 26, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:07
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