Chief Executive John Lee promised that the government would push forward with measures needed to drive reform in the maintenance of older buildings.

Following November's fire at Wang Fuk Court, which took 168 lives, law enforcement and government departments have filed hundreds of charges against the consultancy firm and the main contractor, which were undertaking major renovations at the Tai Po estate when the inferno broke out, as well as individuals linked to the tragedy.

Delivering his Policy Address on Wednesday, Lee noted that the government had introduced several steps to strengthen regulations, boost enforcement, and initiate legislative amendments to drive reform.

These include a comprehensive smoking ban on construction and renovation sites, enhanced regulation of fire-service installations, equipment and contractors, as well as stricter rules and heavier penalties on professionals and contractors for non-compliance during major building maintenance works.

Lee said officials were also studying the possibility of criminalising bid-rigging in major building maintenance works with the aim of submitting a legislative proposal this year.

For the first time, tender invitation and evaluation services would be launched to assist property owners in the engagement of consultants and contractors, he added.

Towards this end, a list of qualified consultants and contractors who have passed background checks by law-enforcement agencies will, for the first time, be drawn up for owners considering undertaking maintenance projects to choose from.

“The government is also looking into feasible options to better assist members of the public in handling matters involving professional knowledge in major building maintenance,” Lee said.

He added it would study the findings of an independent committee set up to probe the cause and rapid spread of the Wang Fuk Court fire when it submits its report in October, and the chief executive promised to follow up on its recommendations, implement reforms and announce further details in due course.




Edited by Tony Sabine