XN000022-1995-07-19 — Page 7

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"The obstructions in 29 estates have already been removed with the co- operation of the Housing Department," the spokesman said.

Work is continuing to clear the obstruction from the following four estates within the next few days:

Kwai Chung Estate Sha Kok Estate

: removal of roadside railing

: removal of planters

Pok Hong Estate

: removal of planters

Wo Che Estate

: removal of planters

In the interim, FSD will strengthen the attendance of fire appliances in the event of fire to these estates.

Separately, the Housing Department has carried out inspection of fire services installations in all housing estates. Where damages were found, works orders were issued to contractors for immediate action. The most common defects are missing nozzles and handwheels.

Fire Services and Housing Departments will continue to look into ways and means to make further improvements to fire access where appropriate.

They will also consider ways of strengthening fire precaution measures in public housing estates, such as clearer signages on Emergency Vehicular Access, operating instructions on the use of hosereel and publicity on the safekeeping and maintenance of fire fighting equipment.

The two departments will submit a report to the Secretary for Housing on the recent (July 11) fire in Yue Wan Estate.

This report will also take into account the findings of the inspections carried out by FSD, and will make recommendations in relation to fire safety in public housing estates throughout the territory.