The repair program began in July 1994. Full height scaffolding was erected in late 1994 and repairs began on the three tallest towers in April 1995. Scaffolding surrounded the tallest towers. By December 1996 work had progressed so that the top 49 feet of scaffold was removed. There are now only about 40 more feet of work to go before the scaffold will be completely removed, probably in late 2002.
Progress is slow because only a few workers at a time can work form the scaffold at any level.
During our repairs we can see what a truly amazing accomplishment it was for one person. The Cultural Affairs Department has repaired the sculptures using trained staff and expert consultants with worldwide principles of art conservation. The tallest three towers each contain a large center column extending from the base to the top. Together they contain almost 5,000 joints between portions of more than 150 horizontal bands, more than 50 external vertical columns and a number of large external loops. There are 16 external vertical columns on the tallest, the West Tower, and up to 22 such columns on the Center and East Towers.