HONG KONG, April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Given a continuing threat of sub-divided flats' proliferation, the Hong Kong Institute of Housing (known as "HKIH" below) highly recommends the Buildings Department to conduct more inspections for clearing illegally partitioned flats in residential and industrial blocks. In the meantime, HKIH will continue to organise seminars and to support the 'Award Programme for Quality Property Management' organised in local districts with the objective to raise the management standard of buildings therein.
The situation of illegal sub-divided flats is getting worse. An old industrial building is found with more than 10 sub-divided flats on a single floor. As the industrial building is aging, this poses threat and extra burden to the structure and common facilities of the building including water, electricity and fire-fighting equipment. Cooking in this type of building may lead to fire hazard and is more likely to cause casualties. For public safety concern, the problem of sub-divided flats should not be neglected.
HKIH recommends that the Buildings Department increases manpower resources for early rectification of the illegal partitions in high-risk buildings all over the territory.
HKIH also advocates self-help among owners and therefore organises activities for building owners throughout the territory as to strengthen the skill and knowledge of Owners' Corporations (OCs) in property management. HKIH has organised an Award Programme earlier for Quality Property Management jointly with the Hong Kong Housing Society, Chartered Institute of Housing Asian Pacific Branch and Caritas Mok Cheung Sui Kun Community Centre. The programme was well received by OCs and HKIH provided volunteers for organising free seminars, assisting building inspections, giving professional advices and acting as panel judges for the Award. HKIH believes that with the cooperation and strenuous effort of owners, threats posed by sub-divided flats and other illegal structures can be brought under control.
"The worsening situation of sub-divided flats has seriously threatened residents' lives," said Mr Share Tai-ki, the President of HKIH, "and considering the disturbance and unfairness to other residents, we suggest the government strengthen inspection and execution processes in order to safeguard lives and properties of the general public. HKIH also encourages owners to manage their properties properly and HKIH is willing to offer professional advice on improving the management of any property. With good property management, owners can have happy homes and enjoy an increase in their asset value."
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.
