Inter-departmental task force inspects Redhill Peninsula after landslide in Tai Tam

10-09-2023 15:02 HKT

Authorities inspected Redhill Peninsula in Tai Tam for the second day after a large landslide that posed a threat to the structural safety of the luxury private residential estate.

Staff from the Buildings Department, Lands Department, and Geotechnical Engineering Office arrived at the affected three houses around 9 am on Sunday to inspect the building structure and the slope condition.

Jason Poon Chuk-hung, an engineer and the chairman of the construction concern group Chinat Monitor, suspected that unauthorized building works might have caused the landside.

The illegal excavation could have been carried out to build a swimming pool or basement, intensifying the slope's pressure and leading to landslides.

He added that the current risk of collapse for the three detached houses affected was small. However, it could pose a threat if the slope subsides further after heavy downpours.

During the first inspection yesterday (Sept 9), the task force said there was obvious danger to the No. 72 house and alerted police to evacuate the occupants.

While the team said there were no visible dangers to the No. 70 and No. 74 houses, the area was cordoned off for safety as the exposed retaining walls have to be further inspected.