URA stresses need to 'proactively maintain buildings'

Charlotte Lam

Urban Renewal Authority managing director Wai Chi-sing emphasized the importance of integrating building rehabilitation with urban renewal initiatives to address the rapid aging of buildings.

Wai said that merely reconstructing buildings is not enough to keep pace with their deterioration.

"Redevelopment and building rehabilitation are both fundamental aspects of the URA's mission," Wai said.

"While we advocate for the reconstruction of old and dilapidated structures, we are equally committed to encouraging property owners to maintain and repair their buildings."

Wai added that this dual approach not only enhances building conditions and extends their lifespan but also mitigates the need for redevelopment.

This allows the URA to concentrate its resources on addressing severely deteriorated buildings in older districts, ultimately improving housing quality in those areas.

To this end, the authority has introduced a "Preventive Maintenance" program within its development projects, assisting property owners and management companies in creating long-term maintenance plans.

Also, a subsidy scheme has been established to incentivize early preventive maintenance and help property owners set aside financial reserves for future repairs.

In the URA's De Novo housing project in Kai Tak and the eResidence project in Hung Hom, the authority has allocated two to three percent of monthly management fees to a reserve fund designated for major repairs.

Both housing estates have implemented a 10-year maintenance plan and a recommended contribution scheme, pending approval from property owners. "Proactive maintenance will ensure that buildings remain in optimal condition over time," he said.

Beyond financial assistance, the authority has launched a 15-episode television series in partnership with media outlets to raise community awareness about building maintenance.

Also, an online quiz game related to the series' content will be rolled out in three phases on the URA's social media platforms.