Hong Kong government proposes tougher fire safety steps for major renovations

Hong Kong proposals after apartment complex fire

Hong Kong officials have proposed expanding oversight of building maintenance projects and introducing stronger fire safety steps following a November blaze that killed at least 161 people and displaced thousands, according to an AP News report.

Changes proposed for building maintenance and fire safety

The blaze spread across seven towers in an apartment complex, raising questions about corruption, negligence and government oversight in building maintenance projects.

In the newly elected legislature’s first meeting, Hong Kong leader John Lee said the fire exposed the need for reform and pledged that the investigation by law enforcement agencies and a judge-led independent committee would be thorough.

Lee said: “We will fairly pursue accountability and take disciplinary action based on facts against anyone who should bear responsibility, regardless of whether they are from within or outside the government, or whether they are junior or senior staff.”

To combat bid rigging, the administration proposed that the Urban Renewal Authority play a greater role in helping homeowners choose contractors for building maintenance projects.

Officials planned to set up a preselected list of consultants and contractors based on official background checks and past reviews from homeowners.

The authority would facilitate homeowners in tendering and bid evaluation more.

The government also suggested requiring big renovation projects to hire a third party professional to supervise the work.

It also suggested requiring the fire department’s approval before shutting down major fire safety installations, as well as banning smoking on any construction site.

Renovation materials and next steps

Authorities have pointed to substandard netting and foam boards installed during renovations at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex as factors that contributed to the fire in November.

Authorities also said some fire alarms did not work in tests.

Proposals for law changes linked to the smoking ban were expected to be submitted for the legislature’s review within the next few weeks.

Officials were still discussing some of the other suggestions with the Urban Renewal Authority.