XN000022-1996-05-01 — Page 8

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Dangerous roof-top structures to be demolished

The Building Authority today (Wednesday) declared that a number of unauthorised roof-top structures at Yan Oi Court, Kwun Tong, would be demolished for public safety.

Under the Buildings Ordinance, the Buildings Department served a statutory order to the property owners of Chung Hing House in Yan Oi Court this morning, requiring them to demolish some 20 illegal structures on the rooftop of the building.

The Assistant Director of Buildings (Control and Enforcement), Mr Cheung Hau-wai, said the structures, lacking proper means of escape, were posing an imminent danger to the residents in case of fire.

The owners have two months' time to remove the structures, and if they fail to comply with the order, the Government will carry out the works on their behalf and all the necessary cost including a supervision fee will be recovered from them.

Noting that about 75 persons from 20 families would be affected by the clearance, Mr Cheung said if the occupants had any request for re-housing, their cases would be considered by the Housing Department according to eligibility.

The Social Welfare Department and Kwun Tong District Office will also offer assistance to the residents if necessary.

He reiterated that the Government would stand firm in enforcing the clearance. Similar operations for other roof-top structures in the area will also be considered if they were found posing a threat to public safety.

Mr Cheung pointed out that following the collapse of an unauthorised canopy at Chung Hing House in November last year, the Buildings Department had carried out an extensive survey on the three buildings in the vicinity.

The inspection revealed that a large number of unauthorised structures had been erected on the external wall and rooftops of the buildings.

"The Buildings Department subsequently issued a total of 112 orders to the property owners asking them to remove some 190 illegal structures.