Consult professionals on building works
Members of the public should consult the building professionals before carrying out any building works, the Assistant Director of Buildings (Legal and Management), Mr Edward Lok, said today (Tuesday).
Mr Lok made the appeal after four persons were convicted at the Eastern Magistracy this morning for carrying out demolition works at 12 Sai On Street, Aberdeen on August 1, 1994 without prior approval.
The demolition eventually resulted in the collapse of a canopy, killing one passer-by and injuring several others.
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Two of the defendants a restaurant owner and a building contractor - were each fined $20,000. The other two, who were workers on site, were each fined $1,000.
Mr Lok pointed out that under the Buildings Ordinance, property owners should obtain prior approval from the Building Authority before carrying out any buildings works, such as construction, demolition, alteration or addition.
The maximum penalty for violating the Ordinance is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
"Our prime concern is public safety. Buildings works without proper planning and supervision are not only hazardous to the workers, but also pose a great danger to the life and property of the general public.
"All of us have a duty to observe safety rules. Contractors, in particular, have the responsibility to supervise and ensure that all building and demolition works are carried out in a safe manner," Mr Lok said.
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