{
  "id": 7732670,
  "title": "CE vows reform drive for building-maintenance work",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/ce-vows-reform-drive-for-building-maintenance-work",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T07:18:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1870253-20260916.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chief Executive John Lee has pledged to push ahead with reforms aimed at improving the maintenance of older buildings in Hong Kong. The call to action follows a devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in November, which claimed the lives of 168 people. As a result, law enforcement and government agencies have levied hundreds of charges against the consultancy firm and main contractor responsible for the renovations at the time, as well as individuals connected to the tragedy.\n\nDuring his Policy Address on Wednesday, Lee outlined several steps the government has taken to strengthen regulations, enhance enforcement, and introduce legislative amendments to drive reform. These measures include a comprehensive smoking ban on construction and renovation sites, stricter rules and heavier penalties for non-compliance during major building maintenance works, and enhanced regulation of fire-service installations, equipment, and contractors.\n\nIn addition, Lee announced that officials are exploring the possibility of criminalizing bid-rigging in major building maintenance works, with a legislative proposal expected to be submitted this year. For the first time, a list of qualified consultants and contractors who have passed background checks by law-enforcement agencies will be made available to property owners considering maintenance projects. This list will serve as a valuable resource when choosing contractors for such endeavors.\n\nFurthermore, the government plans to launch tender invitation and evaluation services to assist property owners in engaging consultants and contractors. The initiative aims to better support members of the public in handling matters involving professional knowledge in major building maintenance. Lee also assured that the government will study the findings of an independent committee set up to investigate the cause and rapid spread of the Wang Fuk Court fire, once its report is submitted in October. The chief executive promised to follow up on the committee's recommendations, implement reforms, and provide further updates as the situation evolves.",
  "summary": "Chief Executive John Lee promised that the government would push forward with measures needed to drive reform in the maintenance of older buildings. Following November's fire at Wang Fuk Court, which took 168 lives, law enforcement and government departments have filed hundreds of charges against the consultancy firm and the main contractor, which were undertaking major renovations at the Tai Po…",
  "key_points": [
    "Chief Executive John Lee pledges reforms for building maintenance in Hong Kong.",
    "Government explores criminalizing bid-rigging in major building maintenance works."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK News",
        "title": "CE vows reform drive for building-maintenance work",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/ce-vows-reform-drive-for-building-maintenance-work-7733158",
        "published": "2026-09-16T07:18:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}