Ombudsman probes Highways Department's work on repair and maintenance of public roads (with photos)
******************************************************************************************
The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (April 11) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to examine the work of the Highways Department (HyD) on the repair and maintenance of public roads, in particular the prevention of serious road subsidence incidents.
As the authority responsible for the repair and maintenance of public roads, the HyD engages contractors to carry out regular inspections and maintenance works to keep roads in safe and serviceable condition to ensure the safety of road users. However, the Office of The Ombudsman (the Office) has noted from media reports about incidents of public roads falling into disrepair from time to time, including uneven surfaces of carriageways, potholes and other damage, as well as serious road subsidence due to special incidents or extremely adverse weather conditions. The Office has also received from time to time public complaints against the HyD for failing to properly follow up on road maintenance, such as ineffective monitoring of contractors and delays in road repair works.
Furthermore, as extreme weather conditions have become more frequent in recent years, the HyD's contingency measures and emergency repair works in relation to extreme weather conditions are crucial to ensuring the safety of road users and minimising inconvenience to the public.
Mr Chan said, "Proper repair and maintenance of public roads are essential for ensuring safe and serviceable conditions of roads as well as safety and convenience for the public. Moreover, as sudden and exceptionally severe rainstorms brought about by extreme weather have happened from time to time in recent years, road closures due to subsidence and serious flooding also take place now and then. In this light, I have decided to launch a direct investigation operation to examine the HyD's work on the repair and maintenance of public roads, including the HyD's follow-up actions on complaints about road damages, monitoring of the road repair and maintenance works carried out by contractors, collaboration with the relevant departments in respect of large-scale road reinstatement works, as well as its contingency measures to handle road incidents in relation to extreme weather conditions, in particular serious road subsidence, and its emergency repairs. Where necessary, pertinent recommendations will be made for improvement."
The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by May 11, 2025:
Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre
168–200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 2882 8149
Email: di482@ombudsman.hk
Ends/Friday, April 11, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
NNNN
Photo
