Victor Dawes points out Wang Fuk maintenance loopholes at all levels

The Independent Committee investigating the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire held

its sixth and final hearing at the Exhibition Centre in Central on Friday.

Committee's legal representative Victor Dawes presented a summary submission.

He said the submission contains criticisms of multiple parties. Those criticised

were given full opportunity to explain. While some chose not to respond,

the criticisms are firmly based on the evidence.

Evidence suggests the tragedy was preventable. But the building maintenance system

had loopholes at every level. Residents paid good money but were betrayed in

return. The government has an undeniable duty to regulate effectively and protect its citizens.

Some individuals openly evaded their responsibilities

and the final report will record accordingly. He named district councillors

Wong Pik-kiu and Mui Siu-fung, noting that while they submitted written submissions,

there is currently no evidence showing their involvement in bid-rigging.

He stressed that everyone must learn from this disaster to

prevent the tragedy from repeating and make the home a safer place.

Dawes also thanked Wang Fuk Court residents for their persistence in reporting

before the fire and for testifying afterwards. The submission lists out

the names of all 168 people who lost their lives in the fire, paying tribute to them.