XN000022-1996-11-13 — Page 44

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(c)

(d)

Answer:

Mr President,

whether the HD has carried out any waterproofing works on the rooftops of the housing blocks concerned at the time of their completion; if not, why not; and

whether the HD will inspect the rooftops of all slab blocks in the territory to ascertain if the waterproofing measures in place are effective, and carry out remedial works on the rooftops of those blocks which have a similar water leakage problem?

During the period from April 1995 to October 1996, the Housing Department received 10,300 requests for repair of ceiling seepage in public rental flats and has completed repairs for 95% of them. Earlier statistics are not kept, nor are separate figures for top floor flats built in the 1980's.

Common causes of water seepage are material wear and tear, and tenants' unauthorised modifications. There is no evidence to suggest that water leakage is related to the heat insulation design of rooftops of housing blocks. The heat insulation layer is made of light-weight material, and provides additional protection to the roofing system.

All public housing blocks are provided with waterproof roofing systems at the construction stage, and are inspected at six-yearly intervals and repaired, as necessary. In the meantime, minor roof leakage defects are rectified under usual management procedures. Repairs will normally be carried out within 14 days.

End