For discussion PWSC(97-98)41
on 4 June 1997
ITEM FOR PUBLIC WORKS SUBCOMMITTEE OF FINANCE COMMITTEE
HEAD 708 - CAPITAL SUBVENTIONS AND MAJOR SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
New Subhead Improvement works to voluntary agency camps
Members are invited to recommend to Finance Committee for approval of a commitment of $129.8 million in money-of-the-day prices for improving fire safety measures in 20 subvented voluntary agency camps.
PROBLEM
Twenty voluntary agency (VA) camps subvented by Government do not comply with the provisions of the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance (Cap. 349) (the Ordinance), and will have to close down on 1 July 1998 if the necessary improvement works are not carried out.
PROPOSAL
2. On the advice of the Director of Architectural Services (D Arch S), the Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport proposes to improve the fire services installation and the fire safety conditions of 20 subvented VA camps to enable them to comply with the requirements relating to design, structure, fire precautions and safety set out in the Fire Services Ordinance (Cap 95) and the Buildings Ordinance (Cap 123) at an estimated cost of $129.8 million in money-of-the-day (MOD) prices. A list of these camps is at Enclosure 1.
PROJECT SCOPE AND NATURE
3. The scope of the proposed improvement works comprises -
- provision or replacement of fire services installations, including fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire hydrants and hose reels in all 20 camps;
- installation of sprinkler systems in 13 of the camps;
- installation of smoke detection systems in all 20 camps;
- provision of fire services pumps and water tanks for fire hydrants and hose reels in 18 of the camps;
- installation of fire resisting doors and fire shutters and replacement of door locks in all 20 camps;
- upgrading of electrical works and installations and provision of emergency lighting to 16 of the camps;
- provision of additional or upgrading of existing exit signboxes and directional signs in 19 of the camps;
- building of or improvement to switch rooms and dangerous goods stores for kitchen fuel in 19 of the camps;
- provision of partition walls, modification of building structures, blocking up of ceiling voids above partition walls and replacement of existing false ceilings by fire-proof ceilings in 18 of the camps; and
- other minor miscellaneous works required under the Ordinance for the licensing of the 20 camps (including provision of or improvement to handrails at staircases, replacement of curtains made of fire resistant fabric or treatment of existing curtains with fire retardant paint).
JUSTIFICATION
4. The VA camps provide low-cost accommodation and recreational facilities for members of the public in rural locations, often situated near country parks or in other areas of natural scenic beauty. In 1996-97, some 300 000 holiday-makers boarded at the 20 voluntary agencyVA camps. The premises of these camps do not, however, comply with the conditions imposed by the Ordinance for licensing in respect of their fire services installations and fire safety conditionsOrdinance for licensing. They are currently operating under certificates of exemption issued under the Ordinance for a grace period expiring on 1 July 1998. We need to start the proposed improvement works immediately to enable the camps to be licensed under the Ordinance. Otherwise we risk the closure of these camps which would deprive a large section of the community of popular, affordable and well-run recreational facilities. The respective residence capacity and recent utilisation rates of the 20 camps are shown at Enclosure 2. Subject to approval, we plan to start the proposed improvement works in January 1998 and aim to have this completed before December 1998. Pending the completion of works, we will seek an interim extension of the grace period under the Ordinance.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
5. D Arch S estimates the capital cost of the proposed improvement works to be $129.8 million in MOD prices (see paragraph 6 below), made up as follows -
|
$ million
|
|
|---|
|
(a) Builders works
|
38.2
|
|
|
(b) Building services works
|
51.9
|
|
|
(c) Professional services to be provided by Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund in respect of the building services installation 1 |
8.3
|
|
|
(d) Consultants fees
|
7.7
|
|
|
(e) Contingencies
(7% of (a) and (b))
|
6.3
|
|
|
Sub-total
|
112.4
|
(at December
1996 prices) |
|
(f) Inflation allowance
|
17.4
_____
|
|
Total
|
129.8
|
(in MOD prices) |
The estimates for the individual camps are included in Enclosure 1. A breakdown by man-months of the estimated consultants fees, and the EMSTF charges are at Enclosure 3.
1 Upon its establishment on 1 August 1996 under the Trading Funds Ordinance, the EMSTF starts charging government departments for design and technical consultancy services for electrical and mechanical installations. The services rendered for this project include carrying out the detailed desighn of the associated electrical and mechanical (E&M) installations. A breakdown of the estimated charges by the EMSTF in terms of staff input is at Enclosure 3
6. Subject to approval, we will phase the expenditure as follows -
|
Year
|
$ million
(Dec 1996)
|
Price
adjustment
factor
|
$ million
(MOD)
|
|---|
|
1997 - 98
|
18.0
|
1.06750
|
19.2 |
|
1998 - 99
|
87.4
|
1.16358
|
101.7 |
|
1999 - 2000
|
7.0
_____
|
1.26830
|
8.9
_____ |
|
112.4
_____
|
|
129.8
_____ |
7. We have derived the MOD estimate on the basis of the Governments forecast of trend labour and construction prices for the period from 1997 to 2000. We will use the existing term contractors of D Arch S to carry out the building works so that they can start on site as soon as possible.
8. The VA camps will absorb any additional recurrent expenses arising fromimplications the proposed improvement works. There are no other recurrent financial implications.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
9. We consider public consultation unnecessary as the proposed improvement works will be carried out mainly within the existing camp areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
10. The Director of Environmental Protection conducted an environmental review for the proposed improvement works in December 1996 and concluded that they would have no long-term impact on the environment. During construction, D Arch S will control dust, noise and site run-off nuisances by stipulating mitigation measures in the relevant works contracts.
LAND ACQUISITION
11. The proposed improvement works do not require land acquisition.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
12. We provide the 20 VA camps a total subvention of $22.24 million in 1997-98. This subvention helps towards meeting part of the operating expenses of the camps, in particular, staff costs, rent and rates, and minor repairs. We also provide funds for the scheduled maintenance and repairs of these camps as and when needed.
Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Branch
June 1997
(JJ185)
Enclosure 1 to PWSC(97-98)41
Estimate of capital cost of improvement works for individual camps
|
Voluntary Agency
|
Camp
|
Amount
$ million
|
|---|
|
(1) Boys and Girls Clubs Association (BGCA) of Hong Kong
|
BGCA Bradbury Camp
|
6.08 |
|
(2) Caritas - Hong Kong
|
(a) Oi Fai Camp
|
5.80 |
|
(b) Ming Fai Camp
|
7.83 |
|
(c) Siu Tong Youth Camp
|
5.27 |
|
(3) Chinese Young Mens Christian Association
|
(a) Lions - YMCA Youth Camp
|
4.19 |
|
(b) Wu Kai Sha Youth Village
|
25.45 |
|
(c) Ys Men Wong Yi Chau Camp
|
5.14 |
|
(4) Hong Kong Award for Young People
|
Duke of EdinburghAward for Young People Training Camp
|
5.80 |
|
(5) Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
|
(a) Lamma Youth Hostel
(b) Tai Mong Tsai Outdoor Training Centre
|
1.21
2.97 |
|
(6) Hong Kong Girl Guides Association
|
Yuen Long Recreation Centre
|
10.53 |
|
(7) Hong Kong PHAB Association
|
Lady MacLehose Pokfulam Kong PHAB Centre
|
5.40 |
|
(8) Hong Kong Playground Association
|
Silvermine Bay Outdoor Recreation Centre
|
13.50 |
|
(9) Hong Kong Red Cross
|
Shek Pik Youth Camp
|
3.91 |
|
(10) Salvation Army
|
(a) Cheung Chau Bradbury Camp
|
5.80 |
|
(b) Ma Wan Youth Camp
|
1.62 |
|
(11) Scout Association of Hong Kong
|
(a) Pak Sha Wan Sea Activity Centre
|
3.78 |
|
(b) Tai Tam Scout Centre
|
2.29 |
|
(c) Tung Tsz Scout Centre
|
5.80 |
|
(12) Young Women's Christian Association
|
YWCA Youth Camp
|
7.43
_____ |
|
Total
|
129.80 |
Enclosure 2 to PWSC(97-98)41
Capacity and utilisation rate of subvented voluntary agency camps
|
Voluntary Agency Camps
|
Residential Capacity
|
|
No. of Campers
|
|---|
|
|
Day
Camp
|
Residential Camp
(Res)
|
Utilisation Rate (Res)
Note
|
|---|
|
(1) Boys and Girls Clubs Association of Hong Kong
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bradbury Camp
|
112
|
295
|
20 639
|
73.71% |
|
(2) Caritas - Hong Kong
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Oi Fai Camp
|
84
|
1 507
|
13 020
|
62.00% |
|
(b) Ming Fai Camp
|
180
|
2 140
|
25 260
|
56.13% |
|
(c) Siu Tong Youth Camp
|
60
|
-
|
7 630
|
50.87% |
|
(3) Chinese Young Men Christian Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Lions - YMCA Youth Camp
|
112
|
-
|
15 445
|
55.16% |
|
(b) Wu Kai Sha Youth Village
|
464
|
52 959
|
62 349
|
53.75%* |
|
(c) Ys Men Wong Yi Chau Camp
|
120
|
1 580
|
15 386
|
51.29% |
|
(4) Hong Kong Award for Young People
|
|
|
|
|
|
Duke of EdinburghAward for Young People Training Camp
|
84
|
3 956
|
10 032
|
47.77% |
|
(5) Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Lamma Youth Hostel
|
30
|
562
|
3 114
|
41.52% |
|
(b) Tai Mong Tsai Outdoor Training Centre
|
60
|
1 345
|
10 779
|
71.86% |
|
6) Hong Kong Girl Guides Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yuen Long Recreation Centre
|
48
|
1 339
|
6 365
|
53.04% |
|
(7) Hong Kong PHAB Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lady MacLehose Pokfulam Hong Kong HAB Centre
|
100
|
12 220
|
19 146
|
76.58% |
|
(8) Hong Kong Playground Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silvermine Bay Outdoor Recreation Centre
|
120
|
-
|
14 987
|
49.96%* |
|
(9) Hong Kong Red Cross Shek Pik Youth Camp
|
50
|
95
|
4 360
|
34.88%* |
|
(10) Salvation Army
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Cheung Chau Bradbury Camp
|
108
|
-
|
20 553
|
76.12% |
|
(b) Ma Wan Youth Camp
|
40
|
-
|
4 945
|
49.45% |
|
(11) Scout Association of Hong Kong
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Pak Sha Wan Sea activity Centre
|
60
|
11 374
|
8 538
|
56.92% |
|
(b) Tai Tam Scout Centre
|
80
|
21 349
|
16 976
|
84.88% |
|
(c) Tung Tsz Scout Centre
|
100
|
10 179
|
12 237
|
48.95%* |
|
(12) Young Women's Christian Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
YWCA Youth Camp
|
120
|
-
|
23 532
|
78.44% |
|
TOTAL
|
120 900
|
315 293
|
58.66%
(average) |
Note : Based on 250 operational days in a year
* Operational days less than 250 in 1996-97 due to closure of camp for renovation. Actual utilisation rate should be higher if the non-operational days are discounted
Enclosure 3 to PWSC(97-98)41
Details of Consultants Fees
A breakdown of the estimates of consultants fees for service to be rendered during the construction stage is shown below-
|
Consultants staff cost
|
Grade
|
Estimated man-months
|
Average MPS salary point
|
Multiplier factor
|
Estimated fee
($ M)
|
|---|
|
(a)
|
Survey of the existing layout and conditions of the VA camps
|
Professional Technical
|
6
7
|
40
16
|
3.0
3.0
|
1.00
0.39 |
|
(b)
|
Preparation of building plans for licence application submission
|
Professional
Technical
|
9
13
|
40
16
|
3.0
3.0
|
1.50
0.73 |
|
(c)
|
Preparation of fire services installation proposal for licence application submission
|
Professional
Technical
|
9
13
|
40
16
|
3.0
3.0
|
1.50
0.73
|
|
(d)
|
Making amendments and preparation of re-submission of building and fire services installation proposal pursuant to comments from licensing authority.
|
Professional
Technical
|
2
3
|
40
16
|
3.0
3.0
|
0.33
0.17
|
|
(e)
|
Structural assessment of fire services tanks on existing structure
|
Professional
Technical
|
3
3
|
40
16
|
3.0
3.0
|
0.50
0.17
|
|
(f)
|
Periodic site visits to monitor compliance with licensing requirements
|
Professional
|
4
|
40
|
3.0
|
0.66
__________
|
|
|
|
Total consultants staff cost
|
7.68
(say, $7.7M)
__________ |
Notes
- A multiplier factor of 3 is applied to the average MPS point to arrive at the full staff costs including the consultants overheads and profit, as the staff will be employed in the consultants office. (at 1.4.1996, MPS pt. 40 = $55,390 p.m. and MPS pt.16 = $18,595 p.m.)
- The figures given above are based on estimates prepared by the Director Of Architectural Services. We will only know the actual man-months and actual fees when we have selected the consultant through the usual competitive lump sum fee bid system.
Details of EMSTF charges
| Estimated
man-months | Estimated
Charge
($ million)
|
|---|
| (a) Senior Building Services Engineer | 12 | 2.39
|
| (b) Building Services Engineer | 18 | 2.63
|
| (c) Technical Staff | 40 | 3.28
|
| Total | | 8.30 |
* The EMSTF charges are estimated on the basis of the required professional input which is then calculated based on the average MPS point multiplied by a factor 2.75 to take account of the associated expenses, staff on-cost, overheads and other Trading Fund expenses.
Last Updated on 16 August 1999
