LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
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subsidised projects with effect from June 1993. With the installation of Hong Kong's second non-CFC/HCFC refrigerating machine in Revenue Tower, Wanchai, two years ago, the department has been at the forefront in introducing good environmental practices to help protect the Earth's ozone layer. As a second step, the department, in collaboration with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, will retro-fit existing refrigerating machines with non-CFC refrigerants under a 10-year programme. The first project to be completed under this programme will be the Prince of Wales Hospital, where work commenced in July.
As today's multi-functional buildings accommodate not only offices but other facilities, such as computer centres and laboratories, the indoor environment is more vulnerable to air contamination. Air purifiers have been installed at Revenue Tower. Other important areas where the commitment to environmental awareness has been demonstrated include the installation of waste disposal and treatment systems in buildings where sewers are not available, as well as to boilers and incinerators.
It was altogether a significant year for the department. The design of the Kowloon Walled City Park received international recognition when the department was presented a Diploma of the Central Society of Horticulture of Germany at the fifth International Horticulture Exhibition (IGA Stuttgart Expo '93) in October. The achievement was the result of the concerted efforts of the project team, comprising architects from the new works group, landscape architecture group and antiquities group.
Land Administration
The Lands Administration Office of the new Lands Department, which was established on August 1 following the reorganisation of the Buildings and Lands Department, co-ordinates all aspects of land administration throughout the territory.
The office's main functions are to acquire land and make land available for the government's development programmes; to dispose of land in accordance with a programme approved by the Sino-British Land Commission; to manage all unallocated government land; and to ensure the use of private land complies with its lease conditions.
Land usage statistics are at Appendix 35.
Land Acquisition
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When private property is needed in the public interest, which in most cases is for the implementation of public works projects, and cannot be acquired by negotiation, the use of compulsory powers becomes necessary. Property may then be acquired under the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance, the Land Acquisition (Possessory Title) Ordinance, the Mass Transit Railway (Land Resumption and Related Provisions) Ordinance or the Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance. These ordinances provide for payment of compensation, based on the value of the property, and for business loss, where appropriate, at the date of acquisition. If agreement cannot be reached on the amount payable, either party can refer the claim to the Lands Tribunal for adjudication.
Where land is acquired in the New Territories, a system of ex gratia payments applies, with enhanced rates paid for land situated within the new town development areas and progressively lower rates for land situated outside these areas. In the case of building land, an ex gratia payment is offered in addition to the statutory compensation available. A system of ex gratia payments also applies in the case of old scheduled lots acquired in the