DANGEROUS BUILDINGS DIVISION
Chief Building Surveyor:
J. G. STEAN, A.R.I.C.S.
3.11. The work of this division stems from three sources:
(a) Emergencies (fire, collapses and typhoon or rainstorm damage). (b) Complaints from the public.
(c) A programme of planned surveys.
The efforts of the division are primarily directed to safeguard the lives of the public and to achieve this objective satisfactorily much incidental work is necessary, particularly in dealing with the rights of tenants of buildings controlled under the Landlord and Tenant Ordinance.
3.12. This has been a particularly busy year as far as emergencies are concerned. Notable among these were a large fire at the Chung Kiu Emporium, Nathan Road, where extensive repairs to the structure were required, and the collapse of a retaining wall of La Salle College Playground in Boundary Street which took a heavy toll of dead and injured. In each of these cases an extensive technical investigation was carried out and evidence was given at subsequent Death Inquiries. Two large fires near Kowloon City occurred which made it necessary to undertake extensive emergency demolition work. Most noteworthy of all however was the havoc resulting from the June rainstorms. The Division was assisted by staff from the general divisions and a major effort was required in order to deal with the various problems that arose. During the month of June, 82 Closure Orders were obtained (almost 3 times the average monthly total); most of these orders were of a temporary nature, and were withdrawn when the necessary remedial works had been carried out. In addition to this closure action, there were numerous cases of damage which required attention.
3.13. Many complaints from the public were received during the year, all of which were investigated and appropriate action taken. Progress was also made with the programme of planned surveys notwithstanding the Division's other commitments. The object of these surveys, which are now being carried out in several parts of the Colony, is to seek out dangerous buildings so that action can be taken to remove the danger. Apart from leading to the discovery of buildings which require immediate attention, much useful information is gained concerning the general condition of buildings in the area covered by the survey.
28