3.03 The maintenance of Government buildings is the subject of a planned programme and is dealt with in much the same way as it would be by any other good landlord. The normal cycle for complete external redecoration and maintenance is now five years although all buildings are surveyed and dealt with on their merits, since some buildings, by reason of their location or usage, require more frequent maintenance than others. Regular surveys are also made to check on incipient defects in the buildings, including electrical and mechanical installations and equipment such as air-conditioning systems and lifts.
3.04 Maintenance works are carried out by maintenance contracts which are usually let for a period of three years. This is essential, because the large number of varied buildings involved (and consequently the range of work required) needs a complex organisation by the contractor which it would not be economical to set up for a period of one year only. It also, of course, takes time for a contractor to become experienced, and therefore fully efficient, in this type of work.
3.05 The 10-Year Programme which is to provide Public Housing accommodation for some 1,800,000 people between 1973-74 and 1982-83, accepted by Government in 1972, is being jointly undertaken by the Public Works Department and the Housing Department, Public Works Department being responsible for the production of accommodation for some 316,500 people of which some 191,500 people have already been accommodated. The balance of the housing target will be dealt with by Housing Department.
Private Building Development
3.06 The Staff The principal function of the Buildings Ordinance Office is to consider all plans for private development submitted for approval. Requirements to deal with these plans are governed principally by development trends, but in addition it is considered that an expansion of the "inspection of building works in progress" function of the Buildings Ordinance Office is essential.
3.07 Furthermore, the "control and enforcement" function of the Office with regard to unauthorized building works, which in the past has always suffered as a result of an upswing in building development, is to be pursued more vigorously in the future. For these principal reasons two new general divisions will be formed in 1977, making a total of seven.
Page 23
Page 23
Page 23
Page 23
Page 23
Page 23