The Independent Inspection Unit under the Housing Bureau has mandated a suspension of repair works at Yee Kok Court in Sham Shui Po after a special inspection found plastic boards being used to cover windows. The unit has immediately instructed the project's registered contractor to remove the plastic boards and is seeking legal advice regarding potential prosecution.
The contractor has been ordered to commission an independent safety audit, submit an improvement plan, and complete all necessary remedial measures. Work will only be permitted to resume after the Unit is satisfied that an effective safety management system is in place.
In a related development, the Buildings Department has inspected 319 buildings currently undergoing external wall repairs and conducted sample checks on those with scaffolding and protective netting. Apart from two buildings announced on Nov. 29, where plastic coverings were found and are now being removed, no additional cases using foam or plastic boards have been identified.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the overall structure of the inspected buildings is not in immediate danger, although significant structural damage was found in some individual units. The Housing Bureau has engaged emergency repair contractors to expedite stabilization work. This will allow officers from the Police Force and the Fire Services Department to enter the units to collect evidence and conduct other necessary operations at the earliest opportunity.
Related News:
Wang Fuk Court fire: Indonesian Consulate confirms 9 domestic workers dead, 36 missing
Comment