Hong Kong’s leader has pledged to crack down on illegal structures across the city after a Post investigation found that an overwhelming majority of houses in three luxury estates were suspected of breaching building and land rules.
Acknowledging the large number of houses involved, Lee said the government had adopted a risk-based approach in tackling the problem.
“We will set priorities in accordance with the scale of the problem, the seriousness of the problem, particularly the safety consideration and environmental hazard consideration,” he said.
“We will set our priorities in this way so that we can address what we consider are the unauthorised illegal structures that deserve our early attention. We will continue to inspect and also take action in accordance with these priorities.”
But Lee dodged a question on whether he would consider inspecting all upmarket detached houses to show his administration’s determination in addressing the long-standing issue in Hong Kong.
Exposing Hong Kong’s invisible land grab by owners of luxury homes
Exposing Hong Kong’s invisible land grab by owners of luxury homes
During a month-long investigation, the Post found 74 per cent of the 50 houses in Block B of Flamingo Garden on Kowloon Peak, Villa Rosa in Tai Tam and Seaview Villas in Tai Po – valued at between HK$50 million (US$6.39 million) and HK$119 million each – were suspected of having enlarged their properties on public land without approval.
Nearly 90 per cent of the homes are suspected of having unauthorised structures at or near their properties. Some of these additions were built on government-owned slopes, sparking concerns not only over safety but also equity and fairness.
Authorities subsequently issued notices and orders to 74 of the 89 seaside houses, requiring them to restore their properties, cease occupation on government land, or both.
According to the Buildings Ordinance, anyone who carries out building works without obtaining government approval could face a maximum fine of HK$400,000 and two years’ jail upon conviction.
But building experts have said finding direct evidence implicating the person involved is difficult and the government may opt to issue a statutory removal order for the unauthorised structures.
Why Hong Kong can’t seem to go after homeowners with unauthorised structures
Why Hong Kong can’t seem to go after homeowners with unauthorised structures
Those convicted of failing to comply with a removal order could face a maximum fine of HK$200,000 and a year’s imprisonment, as well as having to pay HK$20,000 for each day that the offence continues.
City leader Lee last year announced a review of the Buildings Ordinance with the aim of lowering the prosecution threshold, streamlining prosecution procedures and raising penalties. The proposal is scheduled to be unveiled this year.