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Dangerous structures on hillside need to be demolished
The Building Authority today (Tuesday) declared a number of squatter structures on the hillside adjacent to Grantham Hospital in Wong Chuk Hang Road as dangerous and should be demolished for public safety.
The Buildings Department posted a Notice of Intention at the structures this morning informing the residents that demolition work would commence immediately after a Closure Order was applied from the Hong Kong District Court at 9.30 am on December 19, 1995.
The Chief Building Surveyor (Dangerous Building) of the department, Mr Kwok Yui-chung, said according to the advice by the Geotechnical Engineering Office of the Civil Engineering Department, the slope was unstable and liable to become dangerous after heavy rain.
Besides, some of the squatter structures were so dilapidated and poorly maintained that they were no longer suitable for use as residence. Some stilt supports also showed signs of instability.
"For the safety of the residents and the general public, it is necessary to vacant and demolish the structures so that we can carry out preliminary remedial work to the slope.
"In the long term, as the affected slope is located on private land, we will issue a Repair Order to the owner asking him to carry out permanent remedial work," Mr Kwok said.
The Housing Department, the Social Welfare Department, and the District Office have already contacted the residents to arrange resettlement and to render assistance if necessary.
End/Tuesday, November 7, 1995