Hong Kong to unveil building reform, criminalise bid-rigging after fatal fire report
The Hong Kong government will on 29 October publish an independent report into the Tai Po Hung Fook Court fire and announce reforms including criminalising bid-rigging in building maintenance, with penalties of up to 10 years' jail.
The Hong Kong government will on Friday 29 October publish the long-awaited report of the independent commission investigating last year's fatal fire at Hung Fook Court in Tai Po, according to government sources. The report was submitted to the administration on 22 October.
Chief Executive John Lee is expected to lead a press conference on Friday to announce a package of reform measures in response to the commission's recommendations. The government plans to hold two consecutive days of briefings to detail how it will implement the reforms and plug loopholes in building maintenance regulations.
Among the key proposals is the criminalisation of bid-rigging in building maintenance contracts — a practice known locally as “wai biu”. The Competition Commission has previously recommended making such collusion a criminal offence punishable by up to seven years' imprisonment, and some sources suggest the penalty could be raised to as high as 10 years. The government's reform package will include legislation to outlaw bid-rigging specifically in building maintenance works.
The reforms will also strengthen oversight of contractors and professionals involved in major building repairs. Sources said the government will propose amendments to the Buildings Ordinance to shift from the current industry self-regulation model to proactive government supervision, including enhanced auditing and inspections. The government will also study raising the maximum penalties for regulatory breaches and upgrading building and fire safety standards.
To ensure the reforms are implemented effectively, the government will set up a steering committee chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration to monitor and follow up on the commission's recommendations.
The independent commission was established by the Chief Executive in December last year following the Hung Fook Court fire. It held 30 hearings, heard oral testimony from 80 factual and expert witnesses and legal representatives of the parties involved, and considered written submissions and other evidence from various individuals and organisations to establish the facts of the incident.