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Following are a question by Dr the Hon Ho Chung-tai and a written reply by the Secretary for Works, Mr Kwong Hon-sang, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

It is reported that the Buildings Department is at present investigating 15 cases of suspected piling problems involving private construction projects, and that the contractors responsible for those projects are also carrying out 14 public works projects for the Government at the moment. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the public works projects being handled by the contractors concerned, the location of the construction sites and the construction costs thereof;

(b) how it ensures that these public works projects meet the required construction and safety standards;

(c) whether a comprehensive investigation will be conducted on the operation of the contractors; and

(d) whether a contractor found to have carried out foundation piling work not in accordance with approved building plans will have his licence revoked by the Works Bureau, so as to stop him from tendering for further works?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) The contractor concerned has participated in altogether 13 public works contracts in recent years. Eight of them are on-going contracts. Please refer to the Annex for details of the site locations and values of the projects.

(b) All public works contracts are supervised by resident engineers and inspectors of works to ensure that the works meet construction and safety standards. Engineering personnel also take measurements and conduct inspections when the piling works are carried out. Completed piling works have to be inspected by engineers and undergo the tests required for acceptance. Detailed records are kept for all working procedures and the measurements taken during the course of works as well as the acceptance inspection and tests conducted on completion.

Regarding the above on-going projects, the Works Bureau (WB) has instructed the relevant departments to step up supervision of the contractor concerned. Additional tests will be conducted, when necessary, to ensure that the works are up to the standards.

(c) As similar problems have not been identified in the public works contracts carried out by the contractor, WB has no plan to investigate its operations at the moment. Nevertheless, we will pay attention to the assessments regularly made by the relevant departments of the contractor's performance in various aspects of the works.

(d) As far as public works contracts are concerned, if a contractor is found to have carried out foundation piling works not in accordance with the building plans, he will be required by the relevant department to take remedial measures to ensure that safety and building standards are met. However, if the irregularity is a result of misconduct such as fraud or bribery and is confirmed to be related to the contractor, WB will consider removing the name of the contractor from the Lists of Approved Contractors.

If public works contractors are found to have committed the above improper or illegal acts in private construction works, WB will impose penalties on them such as removing their names, suspending them from tendering and downgrading their tendering status as appropriate.

End/Wednesday, July 22, 1998

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