{
  "id": 9726338,
  "title": "'Renovation-woes fix lies in approved operators' list'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/renovation-woes-fix-lies-in-approved-operators-list-9726338",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T07:14:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK News",
    "slug": "rthk-news",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1871533-20260925.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A lawmaker has proposed that pre-approved lists of contractors and consultants could be beneficial for building renovation projects. Andrew Lam, the chairman of the Legislative Council's development panel, made these remarks while discussing the Development Bureau's plans to create such lists, with the first set due by the end of 2026. Lam argued that the lists could improve building maintenance standards and deter illegal practices such as bid-rigging. He emphasized that the primary goal of the lists is to provide better systems for small property owners and to ensure that building management work meets acceptable quality standards. Lam also expressed hope that the initiative could minimize risks associated with future building management and maintenance projects, given the numerous construction plans already in the works under the city's Five-Year plan. While he welcomed the move, Lam stressed that the lists' effectiveness would depend on proper enforcement and public awareness. He noted that random inspections often reveal negligence in fire-hazard-prevention installations, and called for stronger penalties to discourage fire-safety violations and enhance overall safety outcomes.",
  "summary": "A lawmaker said on Friday that lists of contractors and consultants pre‑approved for major building renovations could offer flat owners practical support, raise maintenance standards and curb illicit practices. Andrew Lam's remarks come at a time when the Development Bureau is in the process of drawing up lists of pre-approved contractors and consultants, with the first batch expected by the end…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK English",
        "title": "'Renovation-woes fix lies in approved operators' list'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/renovation-woes-fix-lies-in-approved-operators-list",
        "published": "2026-09-25T07:14:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}