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Author Archives: hksar gov

SDEV speaks to the media

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session after attending “M21 TV Programme at Book Fair” today (July 19):

Reporter: Do you think this is the failure of the Government’s supervision because this is not the first case of lead in water?

Secretary for Development: I think at this moment we need to find out the fact first. And also, I understand that the residents are concerned about the quality of water. We understand their concern. So, the Water Supplies Department is making arrangement to provide in-situ water support and we think that will be available this afternoon. So, that’s one thing we would do. At the moment, I don’t think it is right for me to make any speculation as it is premature for the Government to speculate the reason of the incident. At the moment, we would focus our efforts on finding out the facts. Depending on the outcome, we would do our best to make sure that the water quality is satisfactory.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) read more

Fifteen building plans approved in May

     The Buildings Department approved 15 building plans in May, with five on Hong Kong Island, six in Kowloon and four in the New Territories.
 
     Of the approved plans, eight were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, three were for commercial developments, two were for factory and industrial developments and two were for community services developments.
 
     In the same month, consent was given for works to start on 11 building projects which, when completed, will provide 30 903 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use involving 270 units, and 25 321 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department has received notification of commencement of works for eight building projects.
 
     The department also issued 16 occupation permits, with six on Hong Kong Island, two in Kowloon and eight in the New Territories.
 
     Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor area for domestic use was 185 471 sq m involving 2 717 units, and 52 155 sq m was for non-domestic use.
 
     The declared cost of new buildings completed in May totalled about $9.4 billion.
 
     In addition, seven demolition consents involving seven building structures were issued.
 
     The department received 3 097 reports about unauthorised building works in May and issued 1 407 removal orders on unauthorised items.
 
     The full version of the Monthly Digest for May can be viewed by the public on the Buildings Department’s homepage (www.bd.gov.hk). read more