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The Buildings Department announced today (February 24) that the buildings at 45G and 45H, Ma Tau Wai Road, would be demolished by government contractors. The decision was made for the sake of public safety after detailed inspection and prudent consideration by the department.
The structure of the building at 45H Ma Tau Wai Road was seriously damaged when the adjacent 45J collapsed on January 29. The Buildings Department closed both 45G and 45H immediately for the sake of public safety.
As the building at 45H was structurally dangerous and may affect the adjacent buildings, the department decided on February 1 to temporarily close the buildings at 45E and 45F, a shop at the ground floor and 1/F of the building at 49 Ma Tau Wai Road, as well as a flat each on 2/F to 5/F of the same building. The department then immediately carried out the necessary strengthening works at 45J as well as the building nearby. The department had also removed the loose and most dangerous parts of 45H Ma Tau Wai Road, including the balconies from the first to fourth floors, as well as the seriously damaged portion facing Ma Tau Wai Road on the third and fourth floors.
Upon the completion of the above strengthening works on February 12, the safety risk to the temporarily closed parts of 49 Ma Tau Wai Road was removed. Professional staff of the Buildings Department could safely enter and immediately conduct a detailed inspection of the buildings at 45G and 45H. Samples were also collected for examination and testing. After thorough analysis and careful consideration, it was decided that the building at 45H needed to be demolished because it was structurally unsafe as a result of having been seriously damaged by the collapse of 45J. Without the support of 45H, the building at 45G will need to be demolished as well.
"According to the department's approved plans, 45G and 45H were designed as one single integrated structure, and thus require support from each other. Our inspection revealed that the structure of the building was constructed in accordance with its design shown in the approved plans," a Buildings Department spokesman said. "If we tear down 45H, 45G will become structurally unstable and cannot stand safely on its own."
The spokesman reiterated that it was necessary to demolish 45G and 45H in view of their structural condition and to ensure public safety. However, he emphasised that the structure of the adjacent buildings at 45E and 45F was independent of that of 45G and 45H. The demolition of 45G and 45H will not affect the safety of 45E and 45F, as well as other buildings nearby.
"We will complete the necessary protective measures for the buildings nearby prior to the commencement of the demolition works. During the course of the works, our staff will continue to monitor the structural condition of these buildings. Members of the public can put their hearts at ease," he said.
The spokesman added that the demolition works would begin on March 1 and would require two weeks to complete. If the situation was safe, the department would co-ordinate with other government departments and arrange for the residents of 45H and 45G to collect their valuable belongings before the works start.
Ends/Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:35
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