Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn on Tuesday said the government is pushing contractors to fix the faulty lifts at Queen Mary Hospital's new clinical block, and she is confident the rectification work would be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.

It follows a series of lift defects that delayed the opening of the new building, which is part of the hospital's redevelopment plan.

Speaking to reporters, Linn said the problems stem from engineering, technical and inspection issues.

She explained that some lift components may have been poorly installed or damaged, while problems with the sizing of some lift shafts have left too little room for the lifts to operate smoothly.

But she said engineers believed they could solve the problems.

"We will definitely ensure that all these elevators comply with all requirements before handing over the remaining parts of the building to Queen Mary Hospital for their preparation work," she said.

She stressed that all costs arising from the rectification work would be borne by the main contractor and subcontractors, and the government would reserve the right to claim damages under the contract.

As for the impact on hospital services, Linn said that would be assessed by the Health Bureau and the Hospital Authority.

She said her team hopes to get the job done as soon as possible and hand over the building safely and properly.



Edited by Tony Sabine