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"Some 100 such notices have yet to be compiled with. Most are being properly dealt with by professionals, either appointed by the private owners in compliance with such notices or appointed by the Building Authority in the owner's default.
"Where the Building Authority carries out works in the owner's default, the owner will not only be responsible for the cost of work plus supervision charge, but also liable to prosecution and, on conviction, to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.
"He is also liable to a further fine of $5,000 per day for the period during which the failure to comply with the notice continued," he said.
Mr Green explained that such notices were initiated by the Geotechnical Engineering Office either after receiving a report of a landslip or rockfall incident or as a result of a recommendation from a geotechnical study.
Under its ongoing Landslip Preventive Measures programme, the Geotechnical and Engineering Office is carrying out initial investigation of old slopes and retaining walls catalogued in 1977/78.
The catalogue includes features of both Government and private ownership. Not all these features are sub-standard but all have to be investigated.
The initial investigation of these features is carried out in a single programme financed by Government.
Private slopes found to be dangerous or liable to become dangerous are referred to the Buildings Department for serving notices.
Mr Green stressed that even after a notice had been complied with, continuing vigilance by the owners was necessary to ensure the slope remained safe.
"Every slope and retaining wall must be regularly inspected and any maintenance works must be undertaken timely by the owners.
"Owners ignoring preventive maintenance needs will place those living near a slope or passers-by at risk.
"Natural elements will progressively work to undermine the stability of any slope, bringing with it the risk of collapse and injury to persons as well as damage to property." he cautioned.
End/Saturday, April 1, 1995
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