Buildings Department responds to media enquiries on development project at Anderson Road
In response to media enquiries about the steel reinforcement installation works in the superstructure of a development project at Anderson Road, a spokesman for the Buildings Department (BD) today (October 4) gave the following response:
The BD received a report in late August alleging that the steel reinforcements of some structural elements in the superstructure works being carried out at the Anderson Road site had not been installed in accordance with the requirements of the Buildings Ordinance (Chapter 123) (BO). The BD attaches great importance to the incident and has deployed its staff to the site four times since early September to inspect site operations, quality of work, site safety and the like. During the inspection on September 26, the BD staff found that the number of steel reinforcements installed at six beams on 29/F of Tower 3 of the site was less than that required in the approved plans. Nevertheless, there was no obvious danger to the overall structure.
As neither the representative of the registered structural engineer (RSE) nor the representative of the registered contractor (RC) could provide a reasonable explanation immediately on that day, the BD staff met with the RSE on the following day (September 27) and requested him to submit a detailed investigation and remedial works report, including the need for additional sampling tests to determine whether similar situations existed on other floors of Tower 3 and in other towers.
To facilitate the investigation requested by the BD, works of the Anderson Road development project have been suspended since September 28. In addition to the investigation and remedial works report, the BD also requested for a proposal to strengthen site supervision, and the site works cannot be resumed until the BD is satisfied with the report and proposal.
The BD is continuing its investigation into the incident and will consider appropriate enforcement action upon receipt of the RSE's report on the incident.
The BD is also reviewing the superstructure works in seven other private developments being carried out by the same contractor, and will step up site inspections to check their site safety and quality of works.
Of the eight private development projects mentioned above, four were taken over from Aggressive Construction Engineering Limited (ACEL), which was removed from the register of general building contractors in November last year. The RC involved in the incident was another independent RC. Under the BD's registration system, an RC must have a suitable authorized signatory (AS) to supervise the works. The AS of the RC involved in this incident was not the AS of ACEL, whose name was removed during the processing of its application for registration renewal last year. The delisted AS could not act on behalf of an RC for the purposes of the BO unless he attended the interview again and passed the assessment of the Contractors Registration Committee.
The spokesman reiterated that the BD attaches great importance to the safety and quality of building works. Whichever contractor is involved, the construction works are subject to stringent control under the existing system. The BO stipulates that registered building professionals and RC must properly supervise the works, including ensuring the carrying out of building works in accordance with the approved plans. If registered building professionals, RC and their technically competent persons identify any non-conformities, they must follow the requirements set out in the Code of Practice for Site Supervision 2009 (2024 Edition) and initiate the relevant procedures and rectify. The BD will conduct audit inspections at the critical stages of the building works, witness on-site tests, and review relevant certification documents for quality control.
The Anderson Road development project comprises six multi-storey residential towers, three of which (Towers 1, 2 and 3) are 32 storeys in height, while the remaining three (Towers 5, 6 and 7) are 24 storeys in height. Superstructure works for all six towers were underway, with the concreting works completed at various levels ranging from 22 to 29 storeys. Nine single-storey houses will also be built in the development.
1 000 Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao youths in Chinese costumes gather to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People's Republic of China
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) held the "Celebration of National Day - A Thousand Youths in Chinese Costumes" evening gala tonight (October 4) at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai. About 1 000 youths of various organisations and groups from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, dressed in traditional attire or clothing featuring traditional Chinese elements, participated in this event to promote Chinese culture.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the gala, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that Chinese costumes are the essence of traditional Chinese culture. The delicate craftsmanship embodies rich and profound cultural virtues. He added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to promote the cultural industry and capitalise on Hong Kong's unique East-meets-West culture to promote the fine traditions of Chinese culture to the world.
Other officiating guests included the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; the Convenor of the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, Ms Starry Lee; and the Director of the Paso a Paso Foundation Limited, Ms Melissa Pang.
The gala presented different facets of Chinese costumes by bringing together performing arts and fashion design. It kicked off with a lion dance performance by students from schools under Po Leung Kuk and a performance of the Chinese music piece "Eight Steeds" by the New Tune Chinese Orchestra. Following this, students from Pui Ching Primary School performed martial arts and Chinese drum, while a Mainland dance troupe of the Baima people from Sichuan presented ethnic songs and dances. Pianist Phoebus Chan, huqin artist Chan Pik-sum, cellist Chor Kai-hei and drummer Craig Lau collaborated on a quartet that combined Chinese and Western music.
In addition, youths dressed in Chinese costumes presented their meticulously prepared talent shows at the gala. Moreover, selected works of Dorian Ho, Grace Choi and Janko Lam featuring traditional Chinese elements were showcased in a fashion show by professional models, with renowned Hong Kong fashion designers sharing their design concepts. The gala also included segments introducing the characteristics of the Chinese costumes, along with fun and engaging quiz games, allowing the youths to gain a deeper understanding of China's long and colourful civilization, thus strengthening their cultural confidence and national pride.
The gala concluded with the singing performance by 75 youths on stage, bringing the ambience of the joyous celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China to a high point.
1 000 Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao youths in Chinese costumes gather to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People's Republic of China Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
1 000 Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao youths in Chinese costumes gather to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People's Republic of China Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
1 000 Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao youths in Chinese costumes gather to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People's Republic of China Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
1 000 Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao youths in Chinese costumes gather to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People's Republic of China Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
1 000 Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao youths in Chinese costumes gather to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People's Republic of China Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
1 000 Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao youths in Chinese costumes gather to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People's Republic of China Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
1 000 Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao youths in Chinese costumes gather to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People's Republic of China Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
1 000 Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao youths in Chinese costumes gather to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People's Republic of China Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
