Safe buildings main concern, says sad Lam

Secretary for Development Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor also told lawmakers that she is willing to coordinate work on building maintenance among the various departments.

Following a Legislative Council motion debate on the collapse yesterday, Lam said she e-mailed Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam- kuen soon after the January 29 disaster that killed four and injured two others.

"I told the chief executive that I and my colleagues feel very sad. It is not only due to the casualties, but also the fact that the awareness of building maintenance in Hong Kong remains very low despite years of government efforts," she said.

"Authorities have to be more united and committed so as to sort out the problem."