5.19
During the year the Division was involved more than previously with the problem of the closure of dangerous buildings of 'semi-squatter' type construction, and dilapidated structures remaining after expiry of temporary Crown Land permits.
5.20
The report submitted to Government by Consultants on the general stability of certain hillsides in Hong Kong is a source of much information on potential landslips and the Division was concerned on many occasions in the role of advising owners of affected buildings of the possible problems and inviting professional attention. In a few cases it was necessary to serve statutory notices requiring investigation and stabilisation of such hill slopes. Extensive slope stabilisation work was completed at the rear of Lai Sing Court, Causeway Bay.
5.21
The repair of inadequate and defective drains continued to attract Divisional attention and a total of 108 notices was served requiring repair. Liaison was maintained with the Highways Office and the Urban Services Department, which latter deals with minor drainage and plumbing defects as statutory nuisances.
5.22
The Division served 40 Redevelopment Notices and 20 Redevelopment Orders under the Demolished Buildings (Redevelopment of Sites) Ordinance and advised the Registrar General on the granting of extensions of time in the periods allowed for compliance with Orders previously issued.
5.23
WORKS DIVISION
Chief Building Surveyor:
Y.H. LEE, F.R.A.I.A., A.R.I.B.A. (Acting) A.W. SAMSON, A.R.I.C.S. (Acting)
The Works Division continued with its principle role of carrying out works where owners of buildings fail to comply with Statutory Notices served under the Buildings Ordinance. These works included demolition or repair of dangerous buildings, reinstatement of defective drains, reinstatement of hillsides damaged by landslips affecting buildings and the removal of illegal works. With regard to the latter, due to the introduction of a revised policy on unauthorised building works which applied to all new buildings completed after 31st July 1975, the calls on the Division increased dramatically.
5.24
The Senior Building Surveyor seconded from the Buildings Ordinance Office to the Crown Lands & Survey Office continued to be responsible for the maintenance of buildings under the control of the Property Management Division of the Crown Lands & Survey Office using the Buildings Ordinance Office Works Contract. He was also in charge of the clearance of Crown Land, using the Crown Land Contract.
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