The Geotechnical Engineering Office will launch a long-term landslip prevention and mitigation programme in 2010 following the completion of the current phase of the Landslip Preventive Measures Programme.

The office's head Raymond Chan today said the new programme will cost $600 million a year. It will upgrade 150 Government man-made slopes, conduct safety-screening studies for 100 private man-made slopes, and conduct risk mitigation works for 30 natural hillside catchments.

In conjunction with the programme, the office will continue to control the standard of new slopes, enhance public awareness of landslide risk and issue landslip warnings when necessary. All Government slopes will be regularly maintained.