15.
Reply:
Mr President,
In planning the redevelopment of On Tsui House and Ning Tsui House in Wan Tsui Estate, a thorough study of the redevelopment site and its surroundings was conducted by Housing Department engineers in February 1995. The Department was satisfied that the redevelopment project would not affect the small slope and retaining wall below the site.
The contractors for the redevelopment project are responsible for complying with the Government's geotechnical guidelines, and for ensuring that the redevelopment will not affect the slope, retaining wall and trees during the project period. The Housing Department will take precautionary measures, such as requiring the contractors to submit details of the construction method for scrutiny, in order to ensure that the slope, retaining wall and trees are not disturbed by the redevelopment, and will also monitor the contractors' performance closely.
The owners of Yan Tsui Court have been consulted on two possible options of slope treatment during and after the redevelopment project. Under the first option, the retaining wall and slope will be protected from the nearby redevelopment work in the normal way. No reinstatement will be necessary. Under the second option, part of the existing retaining wall and slope will be removed before construction work begins, and the area removed will subsequently be reinstated to the owners' satisfaction. The owners' response is awaited.
End/Wednesday, October 25, 1995
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