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    A set of amendments to the Technical Memorandum for Supervision Plans issued under the Buildings Ordinance that simplifies the preparation and processing of supervision plans for construction works was gazetted today (June 3).

    "Under the existing requirements, Authorised Persons must submit three sets of supervision plans, where applicable, namely the outline safety supervision plan, detailed safety supervision plan and quality supervision plan to the Building Authority prior to or at the time of applying for consent to start building works or street works. The Building Authority may refuse to give consent for the commencement of such works if the Authorised Person fails to lodge the required supervision plans," a spokesman for the Government said.

    The proposed amendments, which introduce the Integrated Site Supervision System (ISSS), will mean that applicants need submit only one set of supervision plans integrating the above three plans.

    "The proposed ISSS not only simplifies the procedures for preparation and submission of supervision plans, but also enhances the flexible deployment of manpower resources for complying with the supervision requirements set out in the integrated supervision plan," the spokesman said, adding that the amendments also incorporated the supervision requirements of registered geotechnical engineers as stipulated under the Buildings (Amendment) Ordinance 2004.

    "We have consulted the relevant professional institutions, the Real Estate Developers Association, the Hong Kong Construction Association Limited, the Building Sub-Committee of the Lands and Building Advisory Committee, the Authorised Persons and Registered Structural Engineers Committee, as well as personnel directly engaged in site supervision work on the proposal. They all supported the proposal," he said.

    Following the gazettal today, the revised Technical Memorandum for Supervision Plans, proposed to be effective on December 31, 2005, will be tabled at the Legislative Council on Wednesday (June 8).

Ends/Friday, June 3, 2005

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