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"Cracking is evident, also spalling on concrete and rusting of reinforced concrete. These illegal structures pose a threat to the safety of the parent building.
"They also present a health hazard to the residents below. Severe water seepage at various locations creates serious sanitation and health problems.
"In the interest of building safety and public health, we have to require the demolition of these illegal structure," he said.
Notice of demolition was first given in August 1994 and again in December last year to the owners and occupants of the illegal rooftop structures.
"All the affected rooftop occupants have been offered rehousing. staff from Housing Department, Social Welfare Department, the Yau Tsim Mong district Office and Buildings Department are on site to offer whatever further assistance to the occupants as may be necessary," Mr Lok added.
End/Monday, April 24, 1995-
Hong Kong remains a magnet for multi-nationals
Hong Kong continues to grow as the regional hub for multi-national companies.
That was the clear message given by the Secretary of Hong Kong's Port Development Board, Mr Tony Clark, today (Monday) at the Terminal Operations Conference Asia '95 in Singapore.
He was commenting on a view to the contrary that Singapore was likely to grow at Hong Kong's expense in advance of the British colony's 1997 handover to China.
Mr Clark told delegates: "In the 17 months up to the middle of 1994, eight multi-nationals had indeed relocated their regional headquarters from Hong Kong. But in the same period, 86 overseas companies had established new regional headquarters in Hong Kong. This took the total based there to 714.
"Why did they choose Hong Kong - rather than, say, Singapore? Well, don't rely on me; look at what Fortune Magazine said in November last year. It said: