Disinfection of buildings etc.

If the Secretary is of the opinion that the cleansing or disinfecting of a building or a premises or a part thereof or of any articles therein is likely to retain infection, would tend to prevent or check the spread of any infectious diseases, he may by notice require the owner or occupier to cleanse or disinfect the same within a time to be specified in such notice: Provided that if the Secretary considers that immediate action is necessary or that the owner or occupier is by reason of poverty or otherwise, unable effectively to comply with his requisition, he may himself cause such building or premises or articles to be cleansed or disinfected and for this purpose may cause such articles to be removed from such building or premises and the expenses incurred under this section shall be recoverable from the said owner or occupier as if it were a tax imposed under this Act unless he was, by reason or poverty unable effectively to comply with the requisition.