Chief Executive John Lee on Oct. 29 said the government will roll out comprehensive reforms to address shortcomings exposed by the Wang Fuk Court fire. These include:
1. Introduce a criminal offence targeting bid-rigging in building maintenance and renovation projects, and bring it within the scope of the existing Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.
2. Establish a cross-departmental task force to combat crimes relevant to bid-rigging, comprising members from the Police, the ICAC and the Competition Commission.
3. Establish a Building Maintenance Support and Services Council that provides independent, reliable and professional support and services on maintenance and renovation, which will gradually take over the services relevant to building maintenance and renovation currently provided by the Urban Renewal Authority.
4. Reform the operation and regulatory system for building maintenance and renovation, including the work process, delineation of authorities and duties, works approval, and regulation of professionals and contractors for building maintenance and renovation.
5. Reform the organizational structure of the Buildings Department to strengthen senior leadership and co-ordination capabilities. The Housing Bureau will undergo internal restructuring and reform its Independent Checking Unit by replacing it with the Public Housing Building Control Section. The Fire Services Department and the Labour Department will step up inspections and strengthen their respective functions.
6. Establish a centralized data system and reform the complaint mechanism.
7. Establish a steering committee led by the Chief Secretary for Administration to review each of the Independent Committee's recommendations, drive and monitor the implementation of measures.
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