Four owners fined nearly $200,000 in total for not complying with removal orders
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The three cases involved three domestic units of the same building on Lei Muk Road, Kwai Chung, each with an unauthorised structure of about 43 square metres built on its roof. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), removal orders were served on the respective owners under section 24(1) of the BO.
Failing to comply with removal orders, the four owners were prosecuted by the BD two times and were fined a cumulative total of $93,450 upon convictions by the court. As they persisted in not complying with the removal orders, they were prosecuted for the third time and were fined $196,050 in total upon convictions by the court, of which $166,050 was the fine for the number of days that the offences continued.
A spokesman for the BD said today (March 27), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety."
Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.
Ends/Friday, March 27, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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