Following the release of the independent committee's report on the Wang Fuk Court fire, the HKSAR Government has demonstrated strong execution capabilities by swiftly rolling out a comprehensive package of measures encompassing criminal accountability, administrative responsibility and systemic reform. Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki announced on Friday that the first meeting of the interdepartmental steering committee would be convened in November to oversee the full implementation of the report's 120 recommendations. On the same day, several bureau chiefs and senior officials held a series of press conferences to announce major reform measures, including a crackdown on bid-rigging in building maintenance projects, the restructuring of the Public Housing Building Control Section, and the establishment of a Building Maintenance Support and Services Council. These decisive actions demonstrate the HKSAR Government's determination to coordinate efforts across departments, strengthen building safety, and prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
A major public safety tragedy often exposes institutional loopholes and administrative silos that have accumulated over time. In responding to the profound lessons of the Wang Fuk Court fire, the HKSAR Government has chosen not to confine itself to superficial reviews. Instead, it is translating the institutional strengths of executive-led governance into tangible improvements in governance through swift and decisive action.
From the Chief Secretary for Administration's forthcoming personal chairmanship of the interdepartmental steering committee to coordinated action by multiple policy bureaux and departments, including the Security Bureau, Housing Bureau, Development Bureau and Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the government is breaking away from the previous pattern of departments working in isolation. Through an interdepartmental coordination mechanism, it is seeking to oversee the entire building maintenance process in a comprehensive and integrated manner. These actions have not only responded promptly to concerns from different sectors of society, but have also sent a clear message to the public: the government is mobilising its administrative capacity to translate the findings of the investigation into concrete institutional reforms.
One of the key factors behind the rapid spread of the Wang Fuk Court fire and the resulting heavy loss of life was the long-standing problem of bid-rigging in the private building maintenance market, alongside the use of non-compliant materials. In response, the government has introduced a comprehensive package of measures to tackle these problems.
These include plans to criminalize bid-rigging and bring such offences under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance, empowering law enforcement agencies with stronger investigative powers, including the ability to freeze assets. Amendments to the Competition Ordinance will also establish a dual-track enforcement framework. Meanwhile, a joint task force comprising the Police, the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Competition Commission will proactively investigate high-risk building owners' corporation meetings to gather evidence.
To strengthen support at the front end and address problems at their source, the government will establish a wholly government-owned Building Maintenance Support and Services Council, offering property owners a comprehensive paid service covering building inspections, tendering and bid evaluation, as well as works supervision. The Development Bureau will also amend the Buildings Ordinance to classify major renovation works separately and tighten approval requirements, including mandatory video-recorded sampling inspections before concrete is poured. Together, these measures aim to tackle the problem at its roots, sever the chain of illicit interests and build a stronger safeguard for property owners.
Technology will also play an important role in strengthening regulatory oversight. The Digital Policy Office is working with various departments to develop a cross-departmental centralized data system, with its first phase expected to come into operation in mid-2027. The system will consolidate records of inspections, violations and convictions held by different departments, while incorporating artificial intelligence and big data analytics to identify risks and issue alerts about high-risk contractors or suspicious combinations of parties. This will help shift governance from a reactive approach to one centred on proactive prevention.
In terms of internal governance and civil service management, the Housing Bureau will undergo internal restructuring and reform its Independent Checking Unit by replacing it with the Public Housing Building Control Section, strengthening project-based scrutiny. It will also launch a two-tier investigation mechanism to establish administrative accountability and take firm action against officials found to have failed in their duties. In addition, amendments to the Public Service (Administration) Order will improve the arrangements for suspension, salary deductions and pension entitlements. This combination of clear accountability and firm disciplinary measures reflects the government's resolve to safeguard the public interest.
Safety is the foundation of high-quality development, while reform is the key to resolving deep-rooted problems. The HKSAR Government's decisive response to the Wang Fuk Court fire, its effective interdepartmental coordination and its determination to pursue far-reaching reforms have received broad recognition and support from different sectors of society.
With the leadership of the HKSAR governing team and the concerted efforts of the community, the effective implementation of these reform measures will help Hong Kong ensure that high-level security safeguards high-quality development. It will also create a safer and more conducive environment for the implementation of the city's first five-year plan and its continued progress from stability to prosperity.
(Source: Wen Wei Po)
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