XN000022-1996-06-08 — Page 5

4

Provision of access for the disabled ensured

In response to press enquiries regarding inadequate access for people with disabilities at a commercial building on the Peak, a spokesman for the Buildings Department said today (Saturday) that an access improvement plan submitted by the owner of the building proposing the extension of lift service to level three of the premises had just been approved.

Remedial work is expected to start soon.

"The Buildings Department took up the matter with the developer as soon as the problem was brought to its attention in March this year. We are glad that the problem has now been resolved," he said.

The spokesman said since 1983, the Government at the request of developers had adopted a simplified system for processing building plans.

Under the system, the Building Authority's checking of new building plans covers eight major aspects. They are:

plot ratio and site coverage;

building projections;

open space;

means of access and escape in case of fire;

fire resistance and compartmentation;

lighting and ventilation;

sanitary provisions; and;

lane/street provision.

"These eight points reflect the Building Authority's primary responsibility of ensuring the safety, health and environmental standards of private buildings. Building plans will be disapproved if these standards are not met.

"Building professionals and building owners have legal obligations to ensure full compliance with all provisions in the Buildings Ordinance, its subsidiary Regulations and guidelines, including the design manual on access facilities for people with disabilities," the spokesman added.

End