The Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael Suen today (January 7) urged private building owners to shoulder their responsibility for timely maintenance of their property to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Building Safety Carnival jointly organized by the Buildings Department, the Hong Kong Housing Society and Urban Renewal Authority, Mr Suen said that the Government had been striving to enhance private building safety through a multi-pronged approach; and promote community participation and support.
He said, "We have been working closely with the Hong Kong Housing Society and the Urban Renewal Authority in the past year to provide financial and technical assistance to owners of old private buildings for carrying out building maintenance. We have also stepped up enforcement action and publicity effort to promote better understanding of the importance of proper building maintenance among the public."
"In addition to ongoing programmes, new measures will be taken in the coming year to enhance building safety. These include announcing results of the public consultation on the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme; and legislative work to regulate the minor works control system.
Mr Suen emphasized, "Besides Government efforts, public participation and support is very important to make building safety promotion a success."
Also officiating at today's ceremony were the Director of Buildings, Mr Cheung Hau-wai, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Housing Society Mr Yeung Ka-sing and the Chairman of the Urban Renewal Authority Mr Edward Cheng Wai-sun.
The carnival, held at the Piazza of Kowloon Park, Tsim Sha Tsui, featured performances by popular singers and artistes; exhibition and game booths to promote the message of building safety.
Ends/Sunday, January 7, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:19
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