Hong Kong prepares reforms, accountability measures ahead of Tai Po fire report
Hong Kong authorities have made “a series of preparations” to implement reforms and pursue accountability ahead of the Tai Po fire inquiry panel’s final report due later this month, the city’s leader said, pledging to act “as soon as possible”. The government reportedly established a dedicated task force under the Public Service Commission, led by former commissioner for sports George Tsoi…
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee Ka-chiu, announced preparations for reforms and accountability measures ahead of the Tai Po fire inquiry panel's final report, expected later this month. The government has set up a task force under the Public Service Commission, led by George Tsoi and Benjamin Mok, to investigate alleged official failings related to the November 26 fire disaster that claimed 168 lives and displaced 4,900 residents.
The task force comprises director-level civil servants, including Tsoi and Mok. Although Lee did not disclose the scope or timeline of the internal investigation, he emphasized that the government would implement comprehensive reforms as soon as possible after receiving the report. Lee reaffirmed seven priority reform initiatives, including potential criminalization of bid-rigging, new tender services for homeowners, a smoking ban at construction sites, and stricter regulation of fire-service installations.
The independent committee, established in December, concluded that non-fire-retardant scaffolding mesh, combustible polyfoam boards, and a deactivated fire alarm system contributed to the disaster. The committee also criticized four government departments for failing to address fire risks, such as the Fire Services Department, Buildings Department, Labour Department, and Housing Bureau's Independent Checking Unit.
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