URA gets eight applications for 6,000 flats in maintenance scheme

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) has received eight applications involving more than 6,000 flats since the launch of the Preventive Maintenance Subsidy Scheme in April last year, according to URA managing director Wai Chi-sing.

The applications span single residential buildings and housing estates across Central and Western Districts, Southern District, Eastern District, Kowloon City, and Tuen Mun, with the buildings ranging from 30 to 60 years old, Wai noted in his blog on Sunday.

“The authority has been enhancing its role as an advocate for building renewal and has launched a preventive maintenance strategy to help owners develop regular check and maintenance plans to address the root causes of aging building issues,” Wai said.

The scheme offers subsidies for eligible buildings to establish a periodic maintenance plan every 10 years, alongside a financial reserve for related repair costs.

Wai revealed that the authority has issued notices of approval-in-principle to three housing estates in Southern District and Tuen Mun under the scheme, which is expected to benefit about 5,500 households. 

He added that two additional applications are currently under review and are anticipated to be approved as early as this month.

To further assist owners, the authority has also launched guidelines and templates for creating maintenance manuals for residential and composite buildings, as well as television programs aimed at promoting the concepts of preventive maintenance, Wai said.

(Ayra Wang)