B.0.0. Works.
Q 60
325. There was a marked increase in the number of plans deposited for buildings of the type known as "non-domestic" during the year, as compared with the preceding year.
326. It is noticeable that the improved type of Chinese tenement house has brought with it a demand for modern sanitation, and, where sewer facilities exist and an independent and adequate water supply is available, it is now common practice for all new houses to be fitted with a flush system. Approximately 5,000 water flush appliances were fitted during the year under review.
327. Attention is drawn to the graph in table XII, which shows the number of plans approved and houses completed during the period 1905-1931, and to table XIII, which shows the number and types of buildings in connection with which plans were deposited during the years 1930-1931. The number of new works (covering the buildings in table XIII) for which plans were deposited during the year was 2,767, as compared with 2,517 in 1930. The total number of plans (including amendments) deposited during the year was 3,798, as compared with 3,350 in 1930. The number of plans approved during the year was 3,812, as compared with 2,935 in 1930.
328. Occupation Permits.-The following permits were issued under Section 204 of Ordinance No. 1 of 1903 to occupy new buildings:-376 covering 1,395 domestic buildings, of which 232 were European houses, 1,144 were Chinese tenement houses, and 19 were "Other Buildings" such as Hospital, Staff Quarters, etc. Eighty-nine permits were granted covering 105 non-domestic buildings. These figures show an increase of 386 domestic buildings certified and a decrease of fifteen non-domestic buildings.
329. Table XIV contains a statement of the number of notices served and issued, and Table XV of prosecutions for illegal works and nuisances.
330. Charges, Fees, Securities, etc.-The fees payable in connection with Matshed and Hoarding Permits, Drainage Works, Private Street Improvements, etc. amounted to $93,764.51, as compared with $68,269.82 in 1930. Securities required in connection with the issue of Permits amounted to $5,320.00, as against $7,050.00 in 1930.
331. Typhoon and Rainstorm Damage:-No serious damage was caused to private property either by typhoon or rainstorms throughout the year. A serious accident, however, occurred at Wong Nei Chong Village on 17th August, 1931. While work was in progress at the Jockey Club Stables on I.Ls. 3053 and 3054, a number of huts at the foot of the hillside were in an illegal...