LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
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enhance slope safety associated with private developments and to effect mandatory slope safety inspection.
In addition to implementing a vast number of public works projects, various systems have been introduced to maintain the quality and delivery of public works cost-effectively, safely and in a timely manner. The works group of departments has begun to use value management in the planning of major projects. Using this project management technique will improve value-for-money in public works by fully utilising resources while maintaining the necessary functions, quality and performance of the end product. A computerised public works management system has also been implemented to facilitate the execution and co-ordination of projects.
A Pay for Safety Scheme (PFSS) and an Independent Safety Audit Scheme (ISAS) were introduced in March 1996 to encourage contractors to set up efficient safety management systems and to enhance the standard of safety performance of contractors at public works construction sites. Under the PFSS, safety related items are specified and priced in each contract. If the contractors can satisfactorily meet the required standard for these items, they will be paid accordingly. By the end of 1997, 95 contracts had been included in the PFSS. Under the ISAS, the Occupational Safety and Health Council appoints independent Accredited Safety Auditors to carry out quarterly safety audits on each contract. Contractors risk suspension from tendering if they repeatedly fail to pass these audits. Since 1996, 36 contracts have been included in the ISAS. Mandatory safety induction training has also been specified in public works contracts requiring construction workers to undertake such training when they start work on sites. Safety Advisory Units established in each of the seven works departments continued to provide support to staff in maintaining safety and health on public works construction sites. The results of these safety initiatives can be seen in the accident statistics on public works sites, which were less than 30 per cent of the average accident rate for the construction industry as a whole in the 12 months ending July 1997.
In addition, quality standards among the works group of departments have been enhanced. The Architectural Services Department, the Landslip Preventive Measures Branch of the Civil Engineering Department, the Structures Division of the Highways Department and three sub-divisions of the Electrical and Mechanical Services. Department have already been certified to ISO 9000 quality standards. Other departments, including the Drainage Services Department, Territory Development Department and Water Supplies Department are progressing with the implementation of their own quality management systems. The government policy of requiring consultants and contractors for major projects to be certified to ISO 9000 standards was well supported by the industry. More than 70 per cent of major consultants and more than 80 per cent of major contractors engaged in public works projects have obtained ISO 9000 certification.
The Organisational Framework
The primary objectives of the government's lands and works policies are to ensure an adequate supply of land to meet the short-term and long-term needs of the public and private sectors, to optimise the use of land within the framework of land use zoning and development strategies, and to ensure co-ordinated development in infrastructure and buildings.