columns on the ground floor of Block R had been fixed. About 400 workmen are employed daily in this section. A number of site instruc- tions were authorized, the most important of which was for $68,042.00 on the electrical sub-contract (British G.E.C. Ltd.) for centralization of electric meters. The plumbing sub-contract, for $439,264.78, has also been awarded to the general contractors.
Blocks S, T & U (Messrs. Leigh & Orange)
108. The general contract, for $9,617,515.67 was awarded to Messrs. Winsome & Co. in June 1959. Because of the considerable amount of rock encountered during piling in this section, the completion date in the contract had to be extended. Piling of Block S was not completed until June 1959. Afterwards it was decided to abandon certain sections of piling for Blocks T and U, using spread footings instead. Work on Block U was completed at the end of September, when these sites were handed over to the general contractor.
109. Work on the general contract went well, and by the end of March 1960, the structure of Block S had been completed, and finish- ings were making good progress. It is hoped this block can be handed over for letting in May 1960. The frames of Blocks T and U had reached 5th and 4th floor levels respectively. About 550 men are employed daily in this section. A number of site instructions were authorized, entailing nett additional expenditure of $109,676.83.
Site Formation Contract
110. The site formation contractors, Messrs. Waking Builder, have disputed the validity of certain deductions recommended by the Architect, and until the dispute is settled the final account can not be passed. The contractors have intimated their intention of going to arbitration, but so far have failed to take any action in accordance with the contractual provisions.
Ancillary Works
111. It had previously been intended to install block water meters, but in August 1959, this decision was reversed, and it was decided to provide all flats with individual meters, as in the case of North Point and Sai Wan Estates. This obviates difficulties in fixing the amounts to be charged for water, and may also help to economize in water con- sumption. Investigations took place into the relative merits of flushing valves and cisterns for the salt water flushing system: results were inconclusive, and it was therefore decided to use cisterns, as specified,
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