********************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon LEUNG Kwok-hung and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael SUEN in the Legislative Council today (November 23):
Question
Will the Government inform this Council of the details of each of the existing outsourced service contracts awarded by the Housing Authority ("HA") in the form of the following table?
Location where the outsourced service is provided and name of contractor
Estimated cost of service as set out in the tender document
HA's approved price of outsourced service contract (Please indicate whether this is the lowest bidding price)
Number of staff required and terms of remuneration for cleaning workers and security staff as set out in the tender document
Number of staff employed by contractor and their remuneration
Reply
Madam President,
1. Four types of outsourced service contracts awarded by the Housing Authority involve the employment of cleansing workers and security guards, namely, property management contracts, cleansing contracts, security service contracts and carpark management contracts. During tender assessment, the Housing Authority takes into account a host of factors, including the service proposals submitted by contractors, proposed remuneration packages for workers, past performance, tender bids, etc. The Housing Department monitors its service contractors through regular inspections and performance appraisals to ensure that their service meet the stipulated requirements and pledges.
2. Details of the outsourced service contracts are set out at the Annex. Under normal contract terms, contractors are usually allowed to employ temporary or part-time workers according to actual circumstances and operational needs. As we do not keep detailed records on contractors’ employees and their remuneration, such information is not readily available. Nevertheless, the periodic checks and inspections conducted by the Housing Department on contractors’ staffing and payment records confirm that most of the contractors discharge their contractual obligations and undertakings conscientiously. If exploitation of workers is found, actions against the contractors, such as issuing warnings, terminating contracts, or even banning them from future tendering exercises, will be taken.
Ends/Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Issued at HKT 12:45
NNNN