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A user-friendly information system on maintenance responsibility of all man-made slopes in Hong Kong has come into operation for easy public reference, announced the Director of Lands, Mr Robert Pope.

Speaking at a press conference today (Tuesday), Mr Pope said under the Slope Maintenance Responsibility Information System (SMRIS), maintenance responsibility information on the 54,000 man-made slopes as registered by the Geotechnical Engineering Office would be disclosed, managed and updated to enhance public awareness of slope safety and promote proper slope maintenance.

"With the slope maintenance responsibility information, the public are encouraged to carry out regular inspection and preventive maintenance works on slopes by qualified engineers," Mr Pope said.

"These are good practices which will enhance the safety of our living environment."

Mr Pope explained that the system was devised to facilitate disclosure of the results of the Systematic Identification of Maintenance Responsibility of Slopes in the Territory (SIMAR) Study, which was launched in mid-1996 at a cost of $73.6 million.

"It has been developed by integrating the SIMAR database, slope graphical information and information from the Computerized Land Information System of Lands Department," he said.

In determining the parties responsible for slope maintenance, consultants of the study took account of the lease conditions, building plans, site formation plans, aerial photos and other relevant documents, Mr Pope added.

The Government committed $9.95 million for development of the information system, which took six months to complete.

Starting from tomorrow (Wednesday), members of the public can visit the Department's Slope Maintenance Responsibility Information Centre on the First Floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, to gain easy and direct access to information on slope maintenance responsibility during office hours.

The centre, equipped with touch-screen computer terminals, can provide slope plans and maintenance responsibility details in print-out form at $5 for every two pages.

Pre-arranged computer time bookings for access to the system could be made by calling the Centre's number 2231 3333.

End/Tuesday, December 28, 1999

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