Hong Kong’s planned renovation body may be liable for poor oversight: minister

South China Morning Post · Edith Lin · 2026-10-30 13:59 UTC

Building Maintenance Support and Services Council to recommend qualified professionals, contractors in reforms to curb renovation malpractice.

A planned renovation monitoring body could be held liable for poor oversight when recommending and keeping tabs on consultants and contractors, Hong Kong’s development chief Bernadette Linn Hon-ho has warned, as officials detailed broader reforms to curb malpractice during major building repairs.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun also gave assurances on Friday that a new department overseeing major renovation projects would adopt a fresh approach and provide training, despite being staffed by personnel from the Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit (ICU).

The unit was the government body deemed most responsible for last year’s Tai Po fire, Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades.

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