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Special team to enhance private slope safety
The Buildings Department has set up a dedicated team to monitor private slope safety and to take actions against potentially dangerous ones.
The Slope Safety Section (SSS), comprising a Chief Building Surveyor and a team of 28 professional and technical staff, will implement statutory actions in respect of potentially dangerous private slopes arising from the Government's accelerated Landslip Preventive Measures Programme.
"An annual average of 200 dangerous hillside orders (DHO) will be issued in the coming five years, a significant increase over an annual average of 40 orders in the past five years," the Assistant Director of Buildings (Specialist), Mr Lau Yiu-wah, said today (Thursday).
"The SSS will also actively participate in publicity campaigns on slope safety with a view to promoting public awareness on the importance of preventive measures through regular maintenance of slopes," he said.
Property owners should keep a close watch at their private slopes and carry out the necessary maintenance and repair works to protect their own safety, Mr Lau reiterated.
"Maintenance responsibility for a slope rests with the property owner or the person who has an obligation under the lease to maintain the slope. Regular maintenance is the key to slope safety," he said.
Mr Lau explained that DHO were served under the Buildings Ordinance requiring investigation, remedial and stabilisation work to be carried out on potentially dangerous private slopes.
Upon receipt of the order, property owners should appoint an authorised person (AP) to co-ordinate the investigation work, and, based on the findings, submit work proposals to the Building Authority to render the slope safe.
After approval of their proposals, owners should also appoint a registered building contractor (RC) to carry out the repair work under the supervision of the AP.
Mr Lau said the Buildings Department would be glad to offer assistance or advice to owners if they have difficulties in abiding by DHO.
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