Wang Fuk Court fire names 4 depts: Overhauls reforms ahead

It is understood the report submitted by the Independent Committee

on the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po

will be made pubilc as early as Thursday.

The independent committee submitted its report on the Wang Fuk Court

fire to the Chief Executive John Lee last week.

The report spans approximately 1,000 pages.

Beyond identifying the principle responsibilities of the major repair contractor

and engineering consultant Will Power Architects Company Limited,

it also names four government departments for shortcomings.

Sources indicate the report's contents will be published as early as Thursday,

with the Chief Executive expected to host a press conference, followed by relevant

bureau secretaries announcing the details on Friday.

Sources say the government will establish a steering committee led by

the Chief Secretary for Administration to implement

and oversee all reform measures.

These cover enhancing fire safety, major building overhauls and the oversight

of Owners' Corporations, as well as criminalising bid-rigging.

The Competition Commission previously suggested initial proposals for a maximum

prison term of seven to 10 years and increased fines following criminalisation,

with the goal of finalising the legislative amendment proposals by September.

Meanwhile, an enhanced version of the "Smart Tender" Scheme,

designed to help property owners reduce bid-rigging risks, has incorporated

input from the the ICAC

and the police to conduct background checks on bidding contractors and consultants.

Fire safety measures will require a three-day advance application for long-term system shutoffs

and 24-hour notification for damage.

Registered contractors must renew licenses every five years, with property managers

held accountable for fire hazards.

Relevant bills face Legislative Council submission by the end of the year.

On strengthening regulations for building material flame retardancy, some measures

have already been tightened, including requiring scaffolding netting to undergo

sampling inspection before being erected.

Draft amendments to the Buildings Ordinance will be submitted within this year,

raising penalties for using non-compliant materials in all major repair projects

and tightening disciplinary procedures for professionals and contractors.

The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau has also completed public consultations

on raising the threshold for voting on major repair works at Owners' General

Meetings and tightening regulations on proxy votes.

A total ban on smoking at construction sites came into effect on July 17 this year.