{
  "id": 7733158,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T07:18:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK News",
    "slug": "rthk-news",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1870253-20260916.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chief Executive John Lee has vowed to push forward with measures aimed at driving reform in the maintenance of older buildings. The commitment comes after a devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in November which claimed 168 lives. Subsequent investigations have resulted in hundreds of charges being filed against the consultancy firm and main contractor involved in the renovations at the Tai Po estate when the tragedy occurred, as well as individuals connected to the event. In his Policy Address on Wednesday, Lee announced several steps taken by the government to strengthen regulations, enhance enforcement, and introduce legislative amendments to instigate reform. These measures comprise a comprehensive smoking ban on construction and renovation sites, stricter regulation of fire-service installations, equipment, and contractors, as well as tougher rules and heavier penalties for professionals and contractors who fail to comply during major building maintenance works. Officials are also examining the feasibility of criminalizing bid-rigging in major building maintenance works, with the intention of submitting a legislative proposal this year. For the first time, tender invitation and evaluation services will be provided to assist property owners in engaging consultants and contractors for maintenance projects. Additionally, a list of qualified consultants and contractors who have undergone background checks by law-enforcement agencies will be compiled for owners considering undertaking maintenance projects, giving them a choice of professionals to work with. Lee expressed the government's intention to explore feasible options to better support members of the public handling matters involving professional knowledge in major building maintenance. The agency will also study the findings of an independent committee that is set to investigate the cause and rapid spread of the Wang Fuk Court fire once it delivers its report in October. The chief executive has promised to follow up on the committee's recommendations, implement reforms, and provide further details in due course.",
  "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": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK English",
        "title": "CE vows reform drive for building-maintenance work",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/ce-vows-reform-drive-for-building-maintenance-work",
        "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."
}