Two renovation contractors of Sam Shing Commercial Centre in Tuen Mun convicted for illegally carrying out renovation works on holidays
​Renovation contractors of Sam Shing Commercial Centre in Tuen Mun were found carrying out works illegally on public holidays at the shopping centre. The two contractors concerned, Sunlight Electric Limited and Arco Decoration Limited, were fined a total of $20,000 by Fanling Magistrates' Courts on June 12 and today (June 19) respectively for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received a public complaint in November last year about the noise nuisance generated by renovation works at Sam Shing Commercial Centre. During blitz inspections conducted by EPD officers, it was found that the two contractors concerned did not possess a construction noise permit (CNP) issued by the EPD and they carried out works on holidays illegally. After investigation and evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the contractors concerned in accordance with the NCO.
The NCO aims to protect the public from disturbance of rest and to minimise noise nuisance. An EPD spokesman stressed that construction and renovation contractors should schedule works for the daytime of non-general holidays as far as possible to minimise disturbance to nearby residents. If the construction work has to be conducted during the restricted hours (between 7pm and 7am on the following day, or at any time on a general holiday), the contractor has to obtain prior approval from the EPD. Contractors must also implement noise mitigation measures to minimise noise nuisance as per the requirement of the CNP. Otherwise, it constitutes an offence. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. A maximum fine of $200,000 may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.