Page 41 - URA Annual Report 2020-21

The URA is fighting an uphill battle to change the mindset of many owners and indeed the general public regarding building rehabilitation. Through publicity and public education, we have endeavoured to convince owners of old and even relatively young buildings that preventive maintenance of their properties would add value to them in the long term and – more importantly – ensure the safety of everyone.
Over the years, the URA has spared no effort to provide technical and financial assistance to owners to undertake building rehabilitation through three major schemes, namely the Operation Building Bright 2.0, the Fire Safety Improvement Works Subsidy Scheme and the Lift Modernisation Subsidy Scheme. This year, we added another important scheme, Building Drainage System Repair Subsidy Scheme, to cover drainage system maintenance for old buildings. We have also taken over from the Hong Kong Housing Society the administration of the rechristened Building Maintenance Grant Scheme for Needy Owners.
Today the URA is the sole organisation to administer all Government subsidy schemes for building rehabilitation across Hong Kong, involving over $19 billion in total under various initiatives.
Financial and technical assistance aside, to help owners organise building rehabilitation, the URA has also launched a series of self-help tools on its all-in-one online platform, including a cost reference centre to provide owners with a reference of expected cost ranges for typical rehabilitation work items.
URA ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21 37
Operating Review Corporate Sustainability Management Discussion and Analysis Projects at a Glance Corporate Governance