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Following is a question by Dr the Hon Tang Siu-tong, and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Housing, Ms Elaine Chung, in the Legislative Council today (January 9):

Question: The authorities concerned previously stated that foundation strengthening works for Block J of Tin Fu Court and Blocks K and L of Tin Chung Court in Tin Shui Wai were scheduled for completion by February, April and October 2002 respectively, while remedial works to repair the unusual cracks at two public rental housing blocks in Tin Yuet Estate were scheduled for completion by September 2000. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of:

(a) the progress and revised estimated expenditure of each of the above works;

(b) the completion dates of the works for Tin Fu Court and Tin Yuet Estate; and

(c) the reasons for any delays in such works?

Reply

Madam President,

Foundation strengthening works for Block J of Tin Fu Court have reached the final stage and will be completed in June this year. The estimated total expenditure is $56 million. There is a slippage of four months due to geological complexities, which necessitated more rigorous monitoring and an extended works schedule. Extra care has to be exercised to minimise adverse impact on residents of nearby newly occupied blocks and students of new schools. The Government and the Housing Authority would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by the delay to purchasers of Block J of Tin Fu Court.

On February 7, 2001 at the sitting of this Council, the Secretary for Housing explained in detail the nature of the foundation strengthening works of Block K and the foundation remedial works of Block L of Tin Chung Court. Works are progressing on schedule for completion in January 2003. The estimated total expenditure is $163 million.

As for Tin Yuet Estate, the completion date mentioned by Dr Tang refers to the original expected completion date of the superstructure contract. When releasing the review findings of 105 site foundations in mid-March 2000, the Housing Department pointed out that it was necessary to repair the hairline cracks in Blocks 17 and 18. After collecting data, thorough inspections and detailed analysis, the consultant worked out a comprehensive remedial plan in mid-2001. Foundation strengthening was not required. Following discussions over the works schedule and contractual arrangements, the remedial works commenced in August 2001 for completion in September 2002 at an estimated total expenditure of $40 million.

End/Wednesday, January 9, 2002

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