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06

May
2024
[Registration Now Open] [Deadline: 30 Apr] HKIA Members' Participation in the "Special Inspection of External Walls of Buildings" Operation 
Local


The Buildings Department (BD) is addressing the issue of deteriorating external walls in older buildings by launching a Special Inspection of External Walls of Buildings Operation. In an effort to prevent incidents of falling concrete, BD is collaborating with professional bodies including the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA), and invites HKIA members to partake in this significant initiative. 

  

In February 2024, BD introduced a proposal through the Administration's paper titled "Proposals to Enhance the Implementation Arrangements of Building Maintenance (Paper No. CB(1)228/2024(04))". This initiative plans for a systematic inspection of 360 "target buildings" each year throughout the region, commencing in the first quarter of 2024. The aim is to complete inspections and any urgent repairs on two-thirds of these buildings before the onset of the rainy season, utilizing government contractors if necessary. 

  

To incorporate the expertise of the architectural professionals, BD seeks the participations of HKIA members (alongside peers from the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors under separate professional teams in the same Operation). Approximately 40-50 target buildings—all aged 30 years or more, low-rise (under 6 storeys), and lacking formal management ("3-nil" buildings)—will be assigned to HKIA members for inspection. 

  

Key Details of the Operation: 

  • Start Date: The Special Inspection is scheduled to begin in May 2024, and complete in the second quarter of 2024 for most inspections. 
  • Requirements: Interested participants should be Registered Architects in Hong Kong, preferably with experience in conducting condition surveys to identify building defects.  Young members fulfilling the requirements are also welcome. 
  • Role: HKIA members will provide advisory services during the inspections, assisting BD staff in identifying defects and advising on immediate repair needs or statutory repair orders. This voluntary role does not incur any liability under the Building Ordinance. 
  • Inspection Details: Inspections will be conducted at street level during daylight hours, expected to last between one to two hours per building. 
  • Benefits: Participation counts towards CPD hours, and a letter of appreciation will be issued by BD upon completion. 

  

Timeline: 

  • Announcement Date: 22 April 2024 (Monday) 
  • Registration Deadline: 30 April 2024 (Tuesday) 
  • Briefing Session: 6 May 2024 (Monday), 6:30pm at BD Headquarters, North Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices 
  • Inspection Period: May to June 2024, with individual sessions (either weekdays and/or weekend subject to participant's preference) to be scheduled with each participating member. 

  

Interested HKIA members are encouraged to register their interest using the provided Google Form by 6:00pm, 30 April 2024 (Monday):[Google Form Link -  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnktkOGUtQLj5MXty-tGob79lre8ouIdiHvcxZe-BLtGHzYA/viewform?usp=sharing] 

  

For any inquiries, please contact bia@hkia.org.hk. 

  

This initiative is a pivotal step towards ensuring the safety and integrity of aging buildings in Hong Kong, and your expertise and participation are highly valued.