Media

HKU Residential Colleges Block A and B on Lung Wah Street ready for move-in tomorrow

12 Sep 2012

 

In response to media enquiries about the Residential Colleges in Lung Wah Street, the university has the following reply:

Formaldehyde readings recorded at Block A and B of the Residential Colleges on Lung Wah Street have consistently met the “Good Class” standard over a span of six days. Given these data, we have decided to transfer students from nearby hotels and other university residences to the Colleges on September 13 (Thursday,) and September 14 (Friday). Transportation will be provided to transfer the about 400 students back to the Colleges. And as has been the case all along, students and helpers will be on-site to provide assistance.

Block C of the Residential Colleges was handed over by the contractor only on September 6. In line with our safety policy, opening of the block will be postponed while air quality monitoring continues. According to the decision-making criteria set for Blocks A and B, once we have consistent measurements of good standard air quality in Block C, we will start checking in students. The block will provide accommodation to 417 students, about 50 are non-local students. They have been informed of the decision and arrangements have been made for those who need university accommodation to temporarily stay in other university residences and youth hostel.

That the University has had to race against time to get the Colleges ready is mainly due to the fact that the handover of the Lung Wah Street site by relevant authorities to the University was relatively late in the 3-3-4 constructions. It is also a challenging site for a massive building project because of its geotechnical conditions and crowded nature.The University would like to thank students and colleagues who have graciously lend a hand in helping their newly arrived fellow students during this transition period.

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Trinni Choy (Assistant Director (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2606 email: pychoy@hku.hk ; or Ms Melanie Wan (Manager (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2600 email: melwkwan@hku.hk.