The Hong Kong Institute of Housing: The Government Should Launch Mandatory Building and Window Inspection Schemes As Soon As Possible and Step Up Promotion and Support

HONG KONG, April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The Hong Kong Institute of Housing ("HKIH") urges the Government to launch Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme (MBIS) and Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme (MWIS) as soon as possible, and step up promotion efforts to owners of aged buildings, with an objective to raising safety standards of buildings in Hong Kong at large.

The Buildings Department targets to launch MBIS and MWIS in the second quarter of this year. Pursuant to the Buildings (Amendment) Ordinance 2011, owners of residential buildings that are over 30 years of age and over 3-storey high are required to carry out inspection for all common parts, external walls and projections or signboards every 10 years under MBIS. Whereas, MWIS requires owners of residential buildings that are over 10 years of age and over 3-storey high to carry out inspection of all windows every 5 years.

With respect to the above condition, HKIH would like to put forward the following recommendations to the Government for proper implementing of MBIS and MWIS:

• The Government should expedite the implementation of the schemes in order to enhance structural safety of buildings;
• Expand available pool of Authorized Persons so that building owners have more choices for appointment of registered inspector;
• Proactively arrange wide coverage of promotional campaigns in order to ensure effective flow of useful information to target building owners;
• Formulate and implement supplementary financial aids on top of the existing subsidy available for building owners by the Hong Kong Housing Society and the Urban Renewal Authority with an aim to ease financial burden of building owners in need.

With the above recommendations, HKIH fully supports the Government's initiatives and can assist voluntarily by disseminating all relevant information to the target community. Possible support by HKIH includes organization of free seminars in various districts, including but not limited to the Western District and Sham Shui Po, where old buildings are commonly found, to provide useful information to building owners with regard to MBIS and MWIS. Seminars will also cover continuous building maintenance knowledge upon completion of mandatory inspection procedures.

With expert knowledge in areas of Deed of Mutual Covenant and maintenance works, HKIH members who are housing management practitioners can contribute much on analysis and coordination aspects throughout the inspection process in professional and objective manner. Housing managers play a major role in helping owners to reach consensus over various stage of discussions until completion of the schemes, and even for subsequent maintenance or renovation works.

"MBIS and MWIS involve all private residential properties in Hong Kong," said Mr. Share Tai-ki, President of HKIH, "For the safety of the public and individuals, the schemes should be launched in a swift manner. HKIH will work closely with the Government to promote the schemes and offer practical and professional advice to encourage more public participation. Our objective is to help raising building safety standards so that all residents can enjoy happier lives in Hong Kong."

About the Hong Kong Institute of Housing

The Hong Kong Institute of Housing was incorporated in Hong Kong on 29 November 1988. As at December 2011, the HKIH has around 2,500 members. Together, the HKIH's members are responsible for the management of not less than 70% of all the housing stock in Hong Kong. Members are engaged in the co-ordination and execution of housing services incorporating the design, provision, improvement, rehabilitation, management and administration of all types of housing. Apart from actively expanding local network, the HKIH is forging close links with property management associations and academic institutions in Taiwan, Macau and many parts of mainland China.