Hong Kong needs tougher inspection regime, experts say after CK Asset building fiasco
Lawmakers and engineering sector leaders have called for a review of Hong Kong’s building inspection mechanism and a blacklist to bar errant contractors from government tenders, after Hong Kong’s first privately built “starter homes” project hit a snag over shoddy steel work. The government should review the inspection regime and increase its supervisory manpower, lawmakers and engineers said on…
Lawmakers and engineering experts have urged the Hong Kong government to strengthen its building inspection regime and implement a blacklist to prevent errant contractors from securing government tenders following the CK Asset building fiasco. The controversy arose after it was discovered that the steel reinforcement in several towers of the Anderson Road development in Kwun Tong did not meet approved plans, with significantly fewer reinforcement bars used than required.
The Buildings Department has approved CK Asset’s plan to demolish and rebuild three of the six blocks, with remedial work continuing on the remaining structures. However, experts argue that the current inspection system is insufficient and that more resources should be allocated to engineering teams to ensure construction standards are met.
Aaron Bok Kwok-ming, an engineer and lawmaker, stated that any violation of construction standards should be punished and prosecuted, while acknowledging that such cases remain rare. He emphasized that strengthening supervision and increasing supervisory manpower would only cost a small portion of the overall project.
CK Asset, the developer involved in the project, found the proposed remedial measures too time-consuming, as an engineering consultant spent nearly two years investigating the issue. While Bok acknowledged that building designs often incorporate safety margins, he doubted that demolishing the project was economically viable.
The Anderson Road development is a "starter homes" project, aimed at helping first-time buyers who are ineligible under the Home Ownership Scheme. Approximately 2,930 flats, with at least 1,000 to be sold at 80% of market price to locals meeting income and asset limits, are part of the project.
The case also adds to a series of construction quality scandals recently reported in Hong Kong. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasized the importance of building quality during a recent meeting and announced that the Development Bureau would propose amendments to the Buildings Ordinance to tighten regulations and increase penalties for malpractice and shoddy work.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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