The adoption of any proposal to resolve the problem of building care and its successful implementation hinges on the co-operation of all concerned owners, the industry and the community at large.

To this end, the Government will soon conduct a public consultation exercise to gauge the views of various parties and facilitate a constructive public debate on the issues involved.

This was the message from Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen today, speaking at the Joint Conference on Building Development & Practice in the 21st Century.

Mr Suen said integrating building management with maintenance will play an important part in the long-term solution for achieving a better living environment for all.

He reiterated that this approach requires matching owners' needs with services provided by the building management sector, and is premised upon three basic principles, which are:

* owners have the ultimate responsibility for properly maintaining their buildings;

* sound building management is the prerequisite for proper maintenance; and,

* the services should best be provided by the building management and other relevant professionals.

Mr Suen said these initial views require further discussion within the community before possible implementation.

Mr Suen said: "Buildings of all ages can benefit from proper care. The rehabilitation of buildings improves the environment and reduces the need for redevelopment. It is also in line with the Government's policy of sustainable development. While the industry plays an important part in facilitating building care, owners have the ultimate responsibility for properly maintaining their buildings."

However, he added that the multiple ownership pattern of most of our multi-storey blocks has led to serious problems in many buildings, especially those with no owners' corporations or which are not serviced by management companies.

These problems include dilapidation, unauthorised building works, ill-maintained drainage systems and unsatisfactory sanitary conditions.

"We need to foster a better building care culture within the community," he said.