XN000022-1995-03-08 — Page 67

(c)

(d)

ii.

55 -

If anything is dropped or allowed to fall from any building in the course of construction, repair or decoration of the building or part thereof, to the danger or injury of any person in or near a public place, the principal contractor on the site and the contractor carrying out the construction, repair or decoration commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.

If the tiles or masonry fall off by accident, there is no criminal offence.

Under Section 26 of the Buildings Ordinance, an owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous building will be ordered to carry out remedial works. If he fails to do so, the Buildings Department will carry out the works at his expense. Also, under Section 26A of the said ordinance where on inspection the Building Authority identifies any dilapidation or defect in a building, the owner will be ordered to investigate and repair. In case of any default of such order, the Buildings Department will carry out the repair at the owner's expense. Loose tiling or masonry falls within these provisions.

Starting from 1 March 1995, prosecution of offenders under the Buildings Ordinance has been stepped up. It is hoped that this will have a greater deterrent effect and hence, better protect the public from dangerous building works, including loose tiling or masonry.

Apart from taking enforcement action, the Buildings Department's publicity efforts constantly stress that building maintenance is the responsibility of the owners. It is now preparing a leaflet on "Detection of External Wall Defects" which will be available for distribution to the public in the later part of 1995.

At this stage, the control of the laying of tiles on the external walls of buildings is adequate. The Administration has no plan to prohibit the use of such tiles.

End/Wednesday, March 8, 1995