XN000022-1996-07-25 — Page 8

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Mr Lau stressed that proper and regular maintenance to buildings were the keys to slow down their deterioration rate and to extend their service life.

"The consultants have concluded that since some of the buildings would continue to progressively deteriorate with time, inspection programmes should be developed to rectify the situation," he said.

As a short-term measure, the Buildings Department has commenced a programme of detailed inspections to ensure safety of all the buildings covered by the survey. Potential dangers which may risk degenerating into imminent dangers will be identified and removed.

"The order and frequency of inspections will be prioritised according to the severity of the deterioration as revealed in the study. It is targeted that the operation can be completed within 12 months.

"In the long term, it is the responsibility of property owners to keep their buildings well-maintained and repaired.

"The Government is actively considering the proposal of mandatory inspection of buildings by owners. This idea is highly endorsed by the consultants," said Mr Lau.

He pointed out that some observable building defects, such as spalled concrete, structural cracks with stains, and loose or bulging rendering, could develop into a serious hazard if they were ignored.

"If members of the public identify any of these problems, they should engage building professionals to carry out proper repair works or report to the Buildings Department through the department's 24-hour telephone hotline 2626 1234.

"I wish to reiterate that the safety of buildings relies heavily on the owners' co- operation to fulfil their responsibility of maintaining their properties," Mr Lau said.

End