Page 38 - URA Annual Report 2021-22

OPERATING REVIEW
Study on New Strategy on Building Rehabilitation (NSBR)
The NSBR aims to formulate a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy covering buildings of all ages to reduce the number of dilapidated buildings which may otherwise require redevelopment.
Challenges Faced by Owners of
Old Buildings in Carrying Out Building Rehabilitation
Lack of Knowledge
Lack of Financial Reserves
Lack of Organisational Capability
The study was completed in 2020, identifying the lack of (i) professional knowledge in procurement of consultants/ contractors, (ii) financial reserves and (iii) organisational capabilities as three major obstacles for owners of old buildings and owners’ corporations (OCs) to organise building repair and maintenance works. In response, the URA has been implementing a multi-pronged approach to provide building owners with comprehensive information that is easy to comprehend and use, financial subsidies and technical support to assist them to carry out maintenance works.
In addition, emphasis is placed on increasing the awareness to prolong building life and serviceability through collaboration with various stakeholders such as professional institutes and practitioners to promote good practices of preventive maintenance and voluntary contribution to maintenance fund.
We studied local and overseas practices and compiled templates of maintenance manual and plan to be adopted in our self-developed projects, with the objective of promoting for a wider application to the buildings across the city. In addition, we finalised the proposed clauses for implementing preventive maintenance and facilitating owners’ regular contribution to the special fund for future maintenance and incorporated in the Deed of Mutual Covenant (DMC) of the URA’s projects. Through these trial applications, it is hoped that the URA can spearhead and ultimately recommend to the Government the adoption of these clauses in the DMC guidelines and relevant Code of Practice.
During the year, the URA appointed non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in seven districts to promote building rehabilitation to 600 target buildings. Apart from the general public, the URA worked with different stakeholders, including the Property Management Services Authority and other property management institutes, to facilitate the future implementation of preventive maintenance and promotion of regular contribution to the special fund through seminars and training courses.
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