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In response to media enquiries on the follow-up actions on the suspected illegal site formation opposite Kingswood Villas in Tin Shui Wai, a spokesperson for the Buildings Department (BD) today (March 19) gave the following reply:
Since the Dangerous Hillside Orders were issued to the owners of the concerned pieces of land on March 8, the BD has been maintaining contact with the owners to explain the works specified in the orders.
Recent inspections by the BD and the Geotechnical Engineering Office of the Civil Engineering and Development Department revealed that there was no further deterioration in the safety risk of the soil fill. Nonetheless, temporary remedial measures must be completed before the rainy season to ensure public safety.
The BD and the relevant government departments had met with the owners to discuss how to follow up on the Dangerous Hillside Orders. The owners had expressed their willingness to cooperate with the relevant government departments to resolve the issue. They also promised to appoint relevant building professionals shortly and submit short-term and long-term proposals as soon as possible to deal with the slope safety issue.
The relevant government departments are continuing to follow up on the case. The BD will continue to follow up on the Dangerous Hillside Orders closely. Where necessary, the BD may carry out the specified works for the owners and then recover the cost of the works, together with a supervision charge and a surcharge of not exceeding 20 per cent on the cost of the works from the owners.
Ends/Saturday, March 19, 2016
Issued at HKT 14:01
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