XN000022-1996-02-07 — Page 47

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Slope maintenance works in private land

Following is a question by the Hon Ip Kwok-him and a written reply by the Secretary Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

It is reported that the maintenance works to the slope at Smithfield Terrace in Kennedy Town have been delayed due to a dispute over the question of who is responsible for the maintenance of the slope. This has led to the issuance of a Repair Order by the Buildings Department, and the banks have refused to offer mortgage loans for flats of this building and this has affected the interests of the flat owners. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

Answer:

Mr President.

(a)

of the present number of flats in private buildings which are in a similar situation, as well as the geographical distribution of these buildings; and

whether it will consider adopting measures requiring property developers to complete slope remedial works within a specified time after the receipt of a Repair Order, so as to minimise the inconvenience caused to property owners?

The Buildings Department does not compile statistics on the number of flats affected by its repair orders relating to slope maintenance/repair. Given the large number of repair orders issued, it is also not practicable to extract the number from records. Nevertheless, the numbers of outstanding orders in each district are as follows: