Hong Kong’s new Legislative Council held its first meeting on Wednesday, with lawmakers focusing on follow-up work after last November’s deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which claimed the lives of 161 people and displaced nearly 5,000 residents.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and government officials outlined priorities including rehousing the displaced residents, reforming industry practices and holding those responsible for the tragedy accountable.
The Post looks into the measures proposed by the government in response to the Wang Fuk Court fire.
1. Crackdown on bid-rigging
Public concern about bid-rigging and malpractices has grown in the wake of the Tai Po fire.
The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) introduced its “Smart Tender” platform in 2016 after a number of complaints over bid-rigging.
While it is designed to provide technical support to homeowners in procuring consultants and contractors, the platform cannot prevent bid-rigging syndicates from entering the market.
Prestige Construction & Engineering, the company currently under investigation by the city’s corruption-busting body, also used the Smart Tender service.
