Tai Po Fire Inquiry: Owners Group Cited Legal Gaps in Flammable Material Protest
A public inquiry into Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades revealed that the owners’ corporation of Wang Fuk Court failed to prevent the use of flammable materials during renovations due to regulatory loopholes. Tony Tsui Moon-come, the former management committee chairman, testified that residents felt helpless as contractor Prestige Construction and Engineering refused to replace polyfoam boards with fire-resistant alternatives. The contractor argued that existing laws did not prohibit flammable materials or mandate certification for fire-retardant items. Although the owners’ group eventually compelled the purchase of fire-resistant boards in the project's later stages, previously installed flammable materials were not removed. The tragedy, which occurred last November, resulted in 168 deaths and displaced nearly 5,000 residents. Tsui emphasized their inability to find legal justification for their demands, highlighting a critical gap in statutory requirements for building safety. This testimony underscores the systemic issues contributing to the disaster at the Tai Po housing complex, raising questions about construction regulations and enforcement in Hong Kong.
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Tai Po Fire Inquiry: Owners Group Cited Legal Gaps in Flammable Material Protest
A public inquiry into Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades revealed that the owners’ corporation of Wang Fuk Court failed to prevent the use of flammable materials during renovations due to regulatory loopholes. Tony Tsui Moon-come, the former management committee chairman, testified that residents felt helpless as contractor Prestige Construction and Engineering refused to replace polyfoam boards with fire-resistant alternatives. The contractor argued that existing laws did not prohibit flammable materials or mandate certification for fire-retardant items. Although the owners’ group eventually compelled the purchase of fire-resistant boards in the project's later stages, previously installed flammable materials were not removed. The tragedy, which occurred last November, resulted in 168 deaths and displaced nearly 5,000 residents. Tsui emphasized their inability to find legal justification for their demands, highlighting a critical gap in statutory requirements for building safety. This testimony underscores the systemic issues contributing to the disaster at the Tai Po housing complex, raising questions about construction regulations and enforcement in Hong Kong.
News - South China Morning Post