reduction of the number of buildings closed and demolished during the year. There were, however, 30 fires, five collapses and three landslides reported to the Division. A number of fires made necessary partial closure and substantial reinstatement of post-war reinforced concrete buildings. The most serious collapse occurred at No. 62 Queen's Road West and resulted in one death. This collapse, which occurred about two months after the closure and demolition of two adjoining buildings, despite precautionary shoring erected in the building, highlights the difficulties and responsibilities of the Division. Many of the old buildings are heavily occupied and the possessions of the tenants obscure defects which would otherwise be obvious. It is also necessary to strike a balance between, on the one hand, the effects of widespread clearance of property and large scale dispossession of tenants and, on the other, the risk of collapses such as this.
4.19. Some progress was made in the programme of planned surveys but this was restricted due to shortage of staff.
4.20. The necessity to close and demolish dangerous buildings which have reached the end of their useful life continues but, as a result of follow-up work on buildings that have been kept under observation (some in planned survey areas), it was also necessary to extend the attention paid to buildings which were dangerous and repairable and there was a substantial increase in the number of orders issued for the repair of buildings. Since the Building Authority must carry out such work if the owner defaults, many problems arise which may be technical or legal. Multiple ownership of buildings also creates legal and practical difficulties. Much investigation has been done into the repair of defective reinforced concrete and in some cases epoxy resins have been used. The Division acted as agent in the repair and maintenance of Crown lease expired buildings, managed by the Superintendent of Crown Lands and Survey.
4.21. During the year there was an appeal to the Appeal Tribunal against the Building Authority's decision to issue demolition orders in respect of two old buildings in Des Voeux Road West. After a two day hearing the Appeal Tribunal determined that the decision of the Building Authority was correct and the appeal was rejected.
STAFF, TRAINING AND WELFARE
4.22. In the professional and technical grades, apart from the structural engineering posts, the Office continued to be considerably under
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reduction of the number of buildings closed and demolished during the year. There were, however, 30 fires, five collapses and three landslides reported to the Division. A number of fires made necessary partial closure and substantial reinstatement of post-war reinforced concrete buildings. The most serious collapse occurred at No. 62 Queen's Road West and resulted in one death. This collapse, which occurred about two months after the closure and demolition of two adjoining buildings, despite precautionary shoring erected in the building, highlights the difficulties and responsibilities of the Division. Many of the old buildings are heavily occupied and the possessions of the tenants obscure defects which would otherwise be obvious. It is also necessary to strike a balance between, on the one hand, the effects of widespread clearance of property and large scale dispossession of tenants and, on the other, the risk of collapses such as this.
4.19. Some progress was made in the programme of planned surveys but this was restricted due to shortage of staff.
4.20. The necessity to close and demolish dangerous buildings which have reached the end of their useful life continues but, as a result of follow-up work on buildings that have been kept under observation (some in planned survey areas), it was also necessary to extend the atten- tion paid to buildings which were dangerous and repairable and there was a substantial increase in the number of orders issued for the repair of buildings. Since the Building Authority must carry out such work if the owner defaults, many problems arise which may be technical or legal. Multiple ownership of buildings also creates legal and practical difficulties. Much investigation has been done into the repair of defective reinforced. concrete and in some cases epoxy resins have been used. The Division acted as agent in the repair and maintenance of Crown lease expired buildings, managed by the Superintendent of Crown Lands and Survey.
4.21. During the year there was an appeal to the Appeal Tribunal against the Building Authority's decision to issue demolition orders in respect of two old buildings in Des Voeux Road West. After a two day hearing the Appeal Tribunal determined that the decision of the Building Authority was correct and the appeal was rejected.
Staff
STAFF, TRAINING AND WELFARE
4.22. In the professional and technical grades, apart from the struc- tural engineering posts, the Office continued to be considerably under
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