XN000022-1995-11-17 — Page 13

- 11.

To cover the expenses of EAA's initial operation, the Government will seek the Finance Committee's approval for a loan of $40 million to the EAA.

"The EAA will be established within about three months after the enactment of the Estate Agents Bill which is gazetted today and introduced into the Legislative Council on November 29," Mr Wong said.

End/Friday, November 17, 1995

Contractors warned on unauthorised building works

The Director of Buildings, Mrs Helen Yu, today (Friday) addressed all registered contractors, direct and through the Hong Kong Construction Association, to remind them of their duty under the law in respect of unauthorised building works.

It is an offence under the Buildings Ordinance to carry out building works without approval and consent from the Building Authority.

"It is quite common for building owners to go direct to contractors for alterations and additions to their buildings. This may be a matter of convenience or ignorance on their part. However, registered contractors should know better," Mrs Yu stressed.

"They are required by law not to engage in unauthorised building works. They should tell their clients to seek professional advice from authorised persons or registered structural engineers," she said.

Mrs Yu has also asked District Offices to help in appealing to building owners, building management and owners' corporations to help stem this community problem. They should remember:

(a) that they must seek professional advice for alterations and additions to their property; and

(b) that carrying out of building works without approval is a criminal offence.