The Buildings Department announced that it has issued a statutory order to the owner of a unit who removed part of a structural wall at The Capitol in Lohas Park.

Apart from stressing that it is highly concerned about the incident, the department made it clear that it has also commenced a probe.

It explained that a full investigation on any contravention under the Buildings Ordinance is underway and, depending on the investigation result, the department will take appropriate punitive action under the ordinance, including instigating prosecution. 

The department staff conducted an inspection at the unit concerned yesterday, together with the owner, the interior designer responsible for the unit’s renovation and staff of the property management company.

Certain contraventions were found, including the removal of part of a 200mm thick structural wall, which was about 720mm wide by 2150mm high, between the living room and the bedroom for installing a new door.

In the statutory order issued, the department required the owner concerned to appoint an Authorised Person (AP) to submit a remedial proposal, including an assessment of the overall effect on the building’s structure due to the alteration works and proposed remedial works plans.

As part of the statutory order, the AP must also obtain the department’s approval and consent before the commencement of such remedial works to reinstate the parts of the building so affected in accordance with the approved plans. 

The removal of part of the structural wall in this incident is neither exempted building works nor minor works, the department added.

Such works involving structural walls without the department’s approval will be regarded as unauthorised building works.

The owner concerned informed the department that a contractor has been arranged to install temporary supports at the new door opening.

The department also noted there is no danger to the overall building structure after the units above and below the unit concerned were inspected.