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The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) is considering requiring all the contractors to obtain ISO 9000 quality assurance certification before they could be included in the specialist list for Landslip Preventive Measures (LPM) contracts.

"The move aims to improve the quality of slope upgrading works under the LPM programme," the Government Geotechnical Engineer/Landslip Preventive Measures, Mr Tang Moon-cheung, said today (Tuesday).

"So far, 29 contractors have met the stringent criteria on relevant experience, past performance and the availability of plant and machinery, and have been successfully listed in the category of Landslip Preventive/Remedial Works to Slopes/Retaining Walls. This list was established in 1994."

Mr Tang was speaking at a ceremony during which he signed a $91 million contract to upgrade 19 substandard government slopes and retaining walls. The contract was awarded to the Barbican Construction Company Limited.

"This is the 12th contract let since January this year," Mr Tang said, adding that a total of 27 contracts have been let since the five-year Accelerated LPM Project started in April 1995.

The works, which will start on December 1 for completion in 26 months, include the installation of soil nails, construction of retaining walls, cutting back of slopes to a gentler angle, recompacting fill slopes, improving drainage and slope surfacing.

"Upon completion of the five-year Project in 2000, the GEO will embark on a 10-year LPM Project to upgrade another 2,500 government slopes and study 3,000 private slopes," he said.

Mr Tang also pointed out that contractors were required to deploy a full-time safety officer at site with a view to enhancing construction site safety since early 1998.

"All contracts let this year are obliged to meet this mandatory requirements," he said.

"We are committed to improving construction site safety for all our LPM contracts. This has been accorded the highest priority," he added.

End/Tuesday, November 24, 1998

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