'One Stanley steel work different from approved plans'

Development minister Bernadette Linn revealed on Wednesday that the Buildings Department discovered discrepancies in the steel reinforcement work at a house in a luxury residential development known as One Stanley. The investigation was initiated following allegations that the property was constructed with a lower quantity of steel bars compared to the approved plans.

During a Legco meeting, Linn stated that the Buildings Department has largely completed its examination and found inconsistencies in the wire mesh and steel configurations, which were never reported to the authorities. She expressed that the department will consult the Department of Justice regarding potential prosecutions. Additionally, Linn disclosed that the Buildings Department has mandated random inspections for 15 other houses and 12 units across six residential blocks within the same estate, requiring the developer to engage independent, accredited laboratories for relevant tests, under the supervision of authorities.

Enforcement actions will be taken if violations are discovered. Following this incident, the secretary for development emphasized that contractors must document steel reinforcement work through photographs or videos before pouring concrete at construction sites, and submit these records to the authorities. Linn anticipates the implementation of these measures in phases by January and mentioned that ongoing discussions with the industry are underway.