HOUSING
and to implement an action plan to supplement the extensive on-going remedial works programme.
The new comprehensive maintenance planning works system, referred to as CARE (Condition, Appraisal, Repair and Examination), was formally implemented. During the year, 18 estates came within the initial stages of the CARE programme, with extensive condition surveys being undertaken on each estate.
The Maintenance Assessment Scoring System was developed during the year to cover the authority's maintenance work. It aims to assess the performance of contractors and to form a basis for offering more tendering opportunities for those contractors who have done good work and can provide the required quality and service.
Redevelopment
Redevelopment of the older estates to bring them up to current standards is an integral part of public housing development.
Since the comprehensive redevelopment programme began in 1988, 225 old blocks have been redeveloped, improving living conditions for 65000 families. The current five-year rolling redevelopment programme, covering 1993-94 to 1997-98, and involving 156 blocks and 58 000 families, began in May.
Affected tenants are formally notified 18 to 24 months before the clearance dates.
Construction
The first Harmony blocks completed in late 1992 in Tin Yiu Estate and Tin Shui Estate in Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long, marked the start of a new era in public housing construction. Since then, there has been a continuing effort to enhance the design of the Harmony blocks.
Development studies were carried out to enhance the design through further improvement of the bathroom and kitchen layout, and to provide a better standard of finishes and fittings. Building services layout and pipe routes were also reviewed, and improved and built-in gondolas were introduced to facilitate maintenance to drainage and water supply pipes on external walls. The facades of domestic units in Harmony blocks contracted out after 1994 will have to be constructed of pre-cast units, a move which will further improve both efficiency of the building process and the quality of the finished product.
To deal effectively with building defects which have been reported and to provide feedback for further enhancement of designs, details and specifications, a defects- monitoring centre was established during the year.
Quality Assurance
Hong Kong's continuing efforts to improve the design, quality and general living environment of public housing gained further recognition during the year with the certification of the authority's Construction Branch to ISO 9001.
This certification confers international recognition on the branch as an organisation of assessed capability in respect of 'professional services for the planning; design; project management; and contract administration for the construction, maintenance and improve- ment of public housing developments'.
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