Building danger claim rejected

The Housing Department has refuted a press report claiming structural settlement affecting two buildings in Pak Tin Estate is a danger to tenants.

It emphasised today residents of Cheung Tin House and Shing Tin House are safe, as building settlement is normal.
 
It has posted notices at the blocks and briefed the chairmen of the their mutual aid committees.
 
It said the "unduly sensational headline" of the report has caused unnecessary alarm to tenants.
 
The department monitors the settlement of all new buildings, adding the difference of 38mm recorded by the markers between the two blocks is the result of different piling systems being used beneath each building, which, although standing next to each other, are two separate blocks. It said this settlement is normal and there is no cause for alarm.
 
On reports of burst water pipes and detection of cracks, the department said these are signs of normal wear and tear, unrelated to settlement.
 
The department’s buildings meet stringent structural safety standards and are continuously monitored.