WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1992
19
BILL TO BETTER BUILDING SAFETY INTRODUCED
A BILL TO IMPROVE BUILDING SAFETY WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID THE BILL SOUGHT ΤΟ EMPOWER THE BUILDING AUTHORITY ΤΟ SERVE AN ORDER ON THE OWNER OF A BUILDING IN SUSPECT CONDITION, REQUIRING HIM TO APPOINT AN AUTHORISED PERSON TO
OUT DETAILED INVESTIGATION OF HIS BUILDING AND TO PROPOSE REMEDIAL WORK.
THEREAFTER, THE SECRETARY SAID THE CARRYING OUT OF THE WORK WILL BE ORDERED.
"IF THE OWNER FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE INITIAL ORDER, THE BUILDING AUTHORITY WILL BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT THE INVESTIGATION WORK AND RECOVER THE COSTS FROM THE OWNER, HE SAID.
MR EASON SAID THE PRIME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENSURING THE PROPER MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF BUILDINGS LAY WITH THEIR OWNERS.
MR EASON SAID THE BILL WILL ALSO HELP MAKE OWNERS MORE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF THE IR BUILDINGS.
THIS IS DONE BY ENABLING THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE AN OWNER OF A BUILDING IN SUSPECT CONDITION TO HAVE IT INVESTIGATED ΤΟ ESTABLISH WHAT REMEDIAL WORK IS NEEDED.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO GIVE THE BUILDING AUTHORITY SIMILAR POWERS TO DEAL WITH DEFECTIVE BUILDING DRAINAGE WORKS.
"IN PLANNING THE DIVISION OF BUILDING INVESTIGATION WORK BETWEEN THE BOO (BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE) AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WE INTEND TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE ABILITY OF BUILDING OWNERS IN PARTICULAR CASES TO ORGANISE AND TO PAY FOR THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REQUIRED, HE SAID.
11
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
/20