a few examples. There was a noticeable increase in the number of structural plans based on computer-prepared structural calculations.
5.15. Two large building projects under construction were subjected to extensive damage by fire during the early part of 1971, being a power station on Ap Lei Chau and 3 towers of the Mei Foo Sun Chuen estate at Lai Chi Kok. In the former case, where construction was well advanced, following investigations by two expert advisers specially brought in from the U.K. and discussions between the architect and the engineer for the project and the engineering staff of the Office, the details of the necessary reparations were agreed and work is now proceeding accordingly. In this connection it is interesting to record that it has been found possible to restore the main structural framing and the chimney towers in such a way that upon completion of the agreed repair works structural integrity will have been restored to well within acceptable limits. In the other case, damage to some of the main structural framing was quite deep seated and in the event, since the construction work had not progressed beyond the ground floor storey, it was decided to raze it to the pile caps and start again.
5.16. Due to the mounting pressures flowing from the upsurge of interest in private building development noted in para. 5.11, and staffing difficulties at professional level, it became necessary towards the middle of the year to seek approval for the disbandment of the control and enforcement sections in each of the General Divisions and to integrate control and enforcement work with general plans work. Such approval was given, on a 6-months trial basis, which has since been extended by a further six months, it being understood that control and enforcement action would continue to be taken in respect of matters presenting a life hazard, and that in future each new building would be inspected within a few months of being certified for occupation, this with a view to attacking the problem of unauthorized works and unacceptable changes of use early in the life of it. The number of statutory notices served during the year totalled 1,261 compared with 4,097 for the previous year. The number of post-occupation permit inspections carried out since integration is 108, and the number of occupation permits issued in the same period is 450.
5.17. In the course of the year over 1,400 inspections were carried out on behalf of other departments in connection with the annual renewal of licences for such establishments as theatres, cinemas,
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