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Registration of minor works contractors under the new minor works control system will begin tomorrow (December 30). The Buildings Department today (December 29) reminded contractors to register as early as possible.
”§Individuals or companies who want to contract for the carrying out of registered minor works need to register with the Buildings Department. Only contractors on the department”¦s list are allowed to carry out such works," a spokesman for the Buildings Department said.
The registration is the first step for the full implementation of the minor works control system. The new system aims to simplify the existing statutory procedures in order to provide a lawful, simple, safe as well as convenient means for building owners to carry out small-scale building works, such as installation of supporting frames of air conditioners and drying racks. Under the new system, the requirement to seek prior approval of building plans and consent in writing to commence minor works will be dispensed with.
A new category of building works called "minor works", and a new group of registered contractors called "registered minor works contractors" for carrying out such minor works, will be introduced. Minor works will be divided into three classes according to their complexity and safety risk.
Minor works practitioners, including body corporates, partnerships, sole proprietorships, or (for Class III minor works only) individuals, may apply for registration as minor work contractors for the relevant classes, types or items of minor works according to their qualifications and experience. While practitioners with adequate qualifications can register directly as minor works contractors, a two-year provisional registration arrangement will be put in place for those who need to attend top-up courses to attain adequate qualifications.
The registers of contractors will be published on the website of the Buildings Department to facilitate inspection by the public when the minor works control system is fully implemented.
Incentives for individual candidates to register for Class III minor works, including full subsidy for the mandatory one-day training course for the first three years and subsidy for registration fees for "early-bird" applicants (for practitioners who apply in accordance with their experience and not formal qualifications) for the first 12 months, will be provided.
Depending on the progress of registration of minor works contractors, the Government will decide when to commence operation of the minor works control system. The Buildings Department is launching an extensive publicity and public education campaign beforehand, including TV and radio announcements in the public interest, pamphlets and posters.
An advisory service will be made available to building owners, practitioners and other stakeholders to provide technical advice and answer their questions. Enquiries about the contractors registration system can be directed to the Buildings Department by email (enquiry@bd.gov.hk) or phone (2626 1616). Further information about the minor works control system can be found on the Buildings Department website (www.bd.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Issued at HKT 10:16
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