Quality concerns prompt further tests on concrete used in 3 public housing blocks

Three blocks of a public housing estate under construction in Tung Chung require further concrete testing, Hong Kong's Housing Authority has announced. The main contractor on the project, Able Engineering, is facing scrutiny over the quality of concrete used in blocks 3, 4 and 5 at Tung Chung Area 42 on Lantau Island. The authority noted that routine concrete cube strength tests between late August and early September revealed quality issues that required review and additional testing.

The estate, covering about four hectares, includes six residential blocks housing over 6,000 flats for a projected population of 16,611. In response, the authority instructed the contractor to collect extra concrete samples for compressive strength testing and submit a rectification plan. If an investigation finds fault, the contractor could face penalties and potential suspension from future tenders.

The Housing Authority, the largest public housing supplier in Hong Kong, emphasized that if the situation is severe, harsher regulatory action may be taken. Lawmaker Scott Leung acknowledged the proactive discovery of the concrete issue during routine inspections, praising the monitoring system's effectiveness in safeguarding structural integrity.

He expressed hope that the department could adjust construction schedules to minimize delays and prevent disruption to housing supply.