Buildings Department considers legal action against flat owners

There were 36 cases of flat owners employing unqualified people to conduct minor works, so far this year.

According to a release, The Buildings Department has uncovered 36 cases of flat owners employing unqualified people to conduct minor works, so far this year.

Secretary for Development Carrie Lam told legislators the department has issued removal orders for those cases and is considering legal action.

The department received 18,050 complaints about defective or leaking drainpipes in private buildings from January 2009 to September this year.

She said if pipes are defective or posing seepage and hygiene problems as a result of damage, the department will invoke its power under the Buildings Ordinance and issue a repair order to the owners, requiring them to fix the problem within a specified period.