XN000022-1996-12-16 — Page 7

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The consultancy will last for 24 months commencing from January 1, 1997, and will cover about 150 assignments.

Speaking after the contract signing today, the Assistant Director of Buildings (Specialist), Mr Philip Lau, said an Investigation Order would be served by the Building Authority to owners of buildings found to have potential safety problems.

"On receipt of the Order, building owners will be required to appoint an Authorised Person to investigate the condition of their buildings and to carry out the necessary repair works.

"If the owners fail to comply with the order, services of the consultants will be called upon to carry out the inspection and prepare proposal for remedial works which will then be carried out by a government contractor.

"Full costs, including supervision charges, will be recovered from the building owners upon completion of the works," Mr Lau said.

Mr Lau pointed out that if building owners identified such common building defects as loose or bulging rendering or surface tiles with cracks around them, spalled concrete with cracks or deep cracks in concrete with visible rust stains, they should employ a building professional to investigate or repair or immediately report to the Buildings Department.

"Prevention is always better than cure. Building owners should take good care of their buildings and enlist the service of a building professional who can advise on the safety conditions of their buildings and necessary improvement works," he said.

End

Market survey on emergency alarm systems welcomed

The Social Welfare Department today (Monday) welcomed the Consumer Council's market survey on some emergency alarm systems which are designed to summon immediate rescue to the elderly or disabled in distress.

A department spokesman pointed out that the department had worked closely with the Council to initiate this survey following the introduction of these new systems into the local market in recent months in order to provide users some advice on the device.