Government reform building maintenance render procedure

The government is reforming the tendering procedure for building maintenance, and is looking to step up supervision and take on a role in the assessment stage.

This according to Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, who shared her thoughts on a TVB programme.

She says the "Smart Tender" procedure is being revamped and may consider renaming it to better reflect what would be a broadened scope of the government's role.

The Wang Fuk Court fire has exposed multiple problems regarding building renovations.

To address issues in the current system, the government is reforming "Smart Tender," the tendering procedure for building maintenance, but has twice postponed the announcement of details.

Speaking on a TVB programme, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn says time is needed to put together a list of criteria for engineering consultants and contractors to fulfil in order for them to be put on a "pre-approved list" from which owners can make their selections.

She says the criteria will put more weight on past violations related to safety and integrity, while labour disputes, for example, may not be a key consideration.

Under this new "Smart Tender" process, Linn says the Urban Renewal Authority is considering taking on the role of reviewing building inspection reports in addition to evaluating tenders to ensure the scope of renovations in such tenders accurately reflects the work required.

Linn says as the government widens its scope, not only to better monitor renovations but to clamp down with penalties that will deter offenders, the "Smart Tender" process may well need to be renamed to reflect these changes.

She furthers the Buildings Department is planning to participate in every project.

As for the Independent Checking Unit involved in the Wang Fuk Court incident and division of responsibilities going forward, she says a decision will come down after the committee submits their report.

She believes the revised scheme will launch in the fourth quarter, and the formulation is now in its final stages and LegCo may be required to host summer sessions to discuss details.

Meanwhile, the government is currently reviewing tender submissions for the Hung Shui Kiu area under the Northern Metropolis, which would be developed into an integrated university town.

Linn says accelerated land sales will not affect market absorption, since the government will coordinate internally to stagger launches and ensure market transparency.