Hong Kong leader pledges building maintenance reforms after fatal Tai Po fire

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, has announced a series of reforms aimed at improving building maintenance and emergency response in the wake of the fatal Tai Po fire last year. The fire, which claimed 168 lives and displaced nearly 5,000 residents, has sparked calls for greater oversight of renovation works. In his policy address, Lee pledged to introduce "pre-qualified lists" of consultants and contractors for renovation works, vetted through background checks by law-enforcement agencies.

These checks will assess applicants on technical ability, integrity, financial background, and work records. The government will also begin accepting applications for the pre-qualified lists later this month, with the list set to be rolled out by the end of the year. Lee proposed amendments to the Buildings Ordinance to strengthen oversight and increase penalties for large renovation projects, including requiring major renovation works to be carried out in phases unless contractors introduce specified safety measures.

The independent committee investigating the Tai Po fire is expected to submit its report and recommendations next month, with the government considering the findings before tabling final proposals. The committee's lead counsel, Victor Dawes SC, has identified six "human factors" contributing to the disaster, including the use of non-fire-retardant scaffolding mesh, combustible polyfoam boards, and deactivated fire-alarm systems.

Lee's policy address also highlighted efforts to enhance fire safety and emergency responses, with the Fire Services Department planning to optimise its mobilisation protocol, command systems, and casualty handling procedures. The department will leverage artificial intelligence and technology to improve efficiency, including using lightweight robots for fires in narrow spaces and introducing smart systems to track firefighters' status and monitor air levels in their breathing apparatus.