XN000022-1995-05-10 — Page 61

38.

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(c)

The system for classifying slopes according to the consequences of their failure is being reviewed.

(d) Public education on slope maintenance is being stepped up. A layman's guide on slope maintenance and a geoguide for the professionals will be issued. Owners of private slopes and building managers are being made clearly aware of their obligations for slope maintenance.

(e)

(f)

(g)

Response time of Works Departments to landslip emergencies will be reduced through better deployment of stand-by staff, better co- ordination, extra transport facilities and upgrading of telecommunication equipment.

The Review also puts forward the following recommendations which are receiving further detailed consideration.

Legislative amendments to improve statutory geotechnical control of private slopes and developments. This may include the statutory requirement to appoint qualified Geotechnical Engineers to undertake the investigation, design, supervision and administration of geotechnical works, and

A register to clearly define the responsibilities for slope maintenance.

As regards emergency procedures, the Government has specific contingency plans that outline the response to a variety of emergencies. The Natural Disaster Plan is particularly relevant to the response to landslips.

In the event of a major emergency, the Government Secretariat Emergency Co- ordination Centre (GSECC) is set up, and assists in co-ordinating the overall response. GSECC also provide logistic and policy support for the front line emergency services that are mobilised.

Liaison Officers from different government departments and Works Branch are deployed to GSECC as required. They provide expert advice, and facilitate communication between their own and other departments, and GSECC.

In the light of the experience gained including the Kwan Lung Lau landslip, GESCC procedures have been reviewed and enhanced so as to improved the flow of interdepartmental communication.

End/Wednesday, May 10, 1995