A new solution to building decay in Hong Kong - Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme (MBIS)

Hong Kong is a highly-developed city, which can be demonstrated by the high density of buildings and the large number of skyscrapers. However, the problem of building decay also exists in Hong Kong; there is a growing trend on the number of old buildings over the years. The results of poor and/or lack of proper building maintenance are dilapidation of buildings, and thus affecting the building safety, or even the occurrence of accidents which cause fatalities and injuries to occupants and the general public. Due to the discrepancies of the current measures, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) plans to implement the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme (MBIS) in near future as one of the effective and ready measures to ensure the property owners to take their responsibility to properly upkeep their properties. This paper aims to provide an overview of the problem of building decay in Hong Kong, the current government measures for dilapidated buildings and the MBIS. Two case studies of accidents occurred in Hong Kong which are the results of poor maintenance or lack of proper building inspection will be explored. In addition, a comparison of MBIS with other similar building inspection schemes across different regions will be highlighted for better understanding of MBIS which can facilitate its implementation in near future. Based on the introductory nature, the methodology for this paper was confined to desk study and literature review.