The Urban Renewal Authority on Sunday criticised homeowners who complained about their buildings being earmarked for redevelopment just after they had started maintenance work on their buildings. The statutory body's managing director, Wai Chi-sing, said it is wrong to think that it is a waste of money to repair dilapidated structures, saying it is a matter of public safety. Earlier this month, the URA announced redevelopment plans for a tenement block in To Kwa Wan. The building, which is more than half a century old, was already undergoing repair works with scaffolding erected across the facade. The media cited flat owners as saying that they'd rather not continue with the rest of the works - now that their block would most likely be knocked down. Writing on his blog, Wai reminded owners it takes quite a long time for a redevelopment project to be completed. "If there's a maintenance need for buildings earmarked in renewal plans, or they have received mandatory inspection or repair orders from the government, the homeowners really should not delay the procedures and think that they can just wait for the URA's acquisition," he warned. "Because in the event that during the wait, a lack of repairs leads to an accident that causes injury or even death, it is possible homeowners will have to shoulder relevant legal responsibilities." Wai said if homeowners kept relevant records and receipts for the maintenance works, they would be able to apply for ex gratia reimbursements from the URA after they accept an acquisition offer. He explained that redevelopment projects must be kept confidential before their launch, because they involve acquisition and compensation.
