Hong Kong’s landmark bill to fast-track Northern Metropolis nears passage

Hong Kong lawmakers are calling for stricter oversight of funding for the HK$377.3 million redevelopment of the scandal-plagued Hong Kong Student Aid Society. Residents and former staff of the NGO's child care facilities have alleged severe staffing shortages, frequent employee turnover, and an inadequate food budget that left staff with only HK$250 per day to feed 10 people with two meals a day.

The NGO denied these allegations and filed an injunction in October 2021 to prevent three former employees from leaking or destroying confidential data.

During a Legislative Council meeting on Monday, lawmakers questioned the government's oversight of the NGO's service delivery. Chan Wing-kwong asked if the government had a strategic plan to effectively manage such a large project and ensure service delivery. Chau Siu-chung inquired if a severe punishment would affect the redevelopment plan. Hung Kam-in asked if the government would monitor the NGO's service performance to restore public confidence following negative reports.

Undersecretary for Labour and Welfare Ho Kai-ming stated that while the NGO would own the land for the new building, the Social Welfare Department would monitor service quality to ensure appropriate standards. He added that severe punishments for complaints could include warning letters, suspension from bidding on new projects, or in extreme cases, withholding contract renewal. The Social Welfare Department would oversee the service quality at the new building upon completion.

The Hong Kong Student Aid Society's CEO, Yanki Cheng Ting-yan, emphasized the organization's commitment to valuing feedback from service users, colleagues, and stakeholders. The NGO has implemented more formal inspections and appointments with frontline staff since 2013. The redevelopment project, which includes a 19-storey service building with residential care facilities, is expected to cost HK$377.3 million and will be completed in about 3.5 years.