The Buildings Department said on Friday it has launched prosecutions against two companies and seven individuals over the alleged failure to install reinforcement bars as required at a construction project in Kwun Tong.

The case relates to a Starter Homes Scheme project on Anderson Road under developer CK Asset.

The department said it was tipped off a year ago that there were issues with six residential blocks under construction at the site.

It said it found suspected Buildings Ordinance violations, with reinforced bars that deviated from the approved architectural plans.

This allegedly included steel bars in the wrong place, bars of the wrong size and fewer bars than necessary.

The department said after consulting the Department of Justice, it has initiated a total of 205 prosecutions.

"Although there is no obvious danger to the overall structure of the six buildings, the department is closely following up with the project's registered structural engineer on the incident report and the necessary remedial measures," it said in a statement.

These measures, the department said, include reinstalling the steel bars, strengthening the buildings and demolishing parts of the structural elements if needed.

For its part, CK Asset said it understands the department's handling of the case and will fully support and cooperate with relevant proceedings.