Mid-Levels development in spotlight as unstable road evokes memory of tragedy
Slope data from a Mid-Levels construction site near the location of a landslide in which 67 people died more than 30 years ago will be released to allay residents' concerns after cracks were found in a stretch of road above the site.
Central and Western District Councillor Stephen Chan Chit-kwai said Buildings Department officials promised to release the data in a meeting with residents of Po Shan Road last week. He pledged to get the information released on the grounds of public interest even if the developer did not agree to the disclosure.
Cracks about 35 metres long were discovered in October along a stretch of Po Shan Road directly above the construction site at 55 Conduit Road - a joint residential project of Chinese Estates and New World Development.
Po Shan Road residents, especially those living in Po Shan Mansions, have expressed concern. Their homes are near the site of a devastating landslide in 1972 that killed 67 people. Eleven months before the tragedy, following a typhoon, cracks were noted in Po Shan Road.
Mr Chan said the residents planned to ask experts to check if the latest cracks along Po Shan Road posed a safety threat and were related to site formation and foundation work started last year at 55 Conduit Road.
Mr Chan said buildings officials told residents in last week's meeting that they were required to seek the consent of the developer before disclosing the data.