In the wake of the deadly No. 5 alarm fire that broke out at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, on Nov. 26, claiming 159 lives, Hong Kong's Development Bureau and Housing Bureau have announced emergency safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
The Development Bureau declared on Dec. 3 that all scaffolding structures on public, private, and government buildings with ongoing major renovation works must be dismantled within three days.
On Dec. 4, the Housing Bureau revealed that its independent review team had conducted on-site inspections at four subsidized housing estates, including Sui Wo Court in Sha Tin, Ching Lai Court and Yee Kok Court in Sham Shui Po, and On Kay Court in Kwun Tong, as well as the Fung Wah Estate in Chai Wan.
All scaffolding across 15 public housing estates has now been removed.
The Buildings Department has ordered contractors to complete the removal of all scaffolding by this Saturday, Dec. 6. Before dismantling, contractors must ensure that scaffolding is clear of debris and safely secured to protect public safety.
In an effort to enforce stricter safety standards, the Buildings Department plans to release updated operational guidelines next week. These include mandatory sampling and testing of scaffolding materials at designated facilities to ensure compliance before reinstallation.
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