Ning Hanhao: The government is reviewing the Building Ordinance and plans to upgrade major repairs to Class 1 minor works

The Director of the Development Bureau, Ning Hanhao, responded to questions from legislators with a written reply, indicating that most building maintenance projects are currently classified as secondary small-scale works, which only require the hiring of contractors for the work. In response to the Tai Po fire incident, the government is further reviewing the Buildings Ordinance and suggesting that large building maintenance projects be upgraded to primary small-scale works.

Ning Hanhao stated that in the future, in addition to hiring contractors, third-party professionals will also need to be employed to submit specified plans and preventive measures, as well as a supervision plan, with the assistance of an independent professional who is not affiliated with the contractor to help the owner supervise the work. The Buildings Department will strengthen random inspections and enforcement, and if it is found that the work is not carried out according to the plans and supervision plan, penalties will be imposed.

She also mentioned that the government will enhance the "Tendering Proper" service of the Urban Renewal Authority, including the establishment of a more rigorous pre-qualification list for consultants and contractors. In addition to considering technical and manpower requirements, criminal and disciplinary records, more performance indicators will also be taken into account. Consultants and contractors must also pass background checks by the police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption to be included in the list and participate in bidding, and the system will introduce a de-listing arrangement and regular reviews of the list.

In addition, the Urban Renewal Authority will conduct bidding and evaluation work for owners participating in the "Tendering Proper" platform. If the relevant owners apply for government building maintenance subsidies, as a condition of the subsidy, they must accept the consultants and contractors determined by the Urban Renewal Authority. As for other buildings that do not apply for government maintenance subsidies, the Urban Renewal Authority will also provide bidding suggestions to the owners. For buildings applying for government maintenance subsidies, after the project commences, the Urban Renewal Authority will require consultants and contractors to report to the Urban Renewal Authority at important project milestones, such as significant modifications to the scope of work or increases in project costs, so that the Urban Renewal Authority can provide independent opinions to the owners.

Regarding fire safety devices, Ning Hanhao pointed out that the Fire Services Department introduced a pilot program for the "Internet of Things Fire Detection System" at the end of last year to enhance the fire safety level of older buildings. Currently, the "Internet of Things Fire Detection System" has been installed in ten old buildings with six floors or fewer in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, allowing these buildings to avoid installing fire hoses, fire water tanks, and pumps, further assisting the owners of the target buildings in complying with fire safety instructions in a more convenient and safe manner. The Fire Services Department is also actively encouraging citizens to use standalone smoke detectors and other devices to enhance early fire warning and self-rescue capabilities.

In terms of inspections and enforcement, the dedicated inspection team of the Fire Services Department completed the first phase of inspections of fire safety devices and equipment in 256 buildings undergoing major repairs on January 13 this year. In addition, the Fire Services Department is launching a two-month operation to inspect the fire alarm systems of approximately 1,500 higher-risk buildings.

When asked whether there would be a study on legislation or regulations in the building deed requiring buildings to establish a common reserve fund to cover unforeseen expenses, she responded that the owners' corporation must establish and maintain a common fund to pay for expenses incurred by the corporation in exercising powers or performing duties under the Buildings Management Ordinance and the deed, as well as for the daily general expenses of the building. In addition, the corporation may also establish a contingency fund to meet emergencies or needs when the common fund is insufficient. The amount that owners need to contribute to these two funds will be determined by the owners based on the needs of the building