Hongfu Yuan Hearing | MTR-related Body Representative: Only a Facilitator Role, Does Not Acknowledge Failure to Perform Duties

SighingCashier · 2026-03-24T08:44:12+00:00

The Independent Commission convening its third hearing on the Tai Po Hong Fuk Court fire, Senior Counsel Lui Sai-kit of the Urban Renewal Authority emphasized that the Authority's role is solely to facilitate, and expressed concerns over illegal manipulation of the tender process during repair works. Additionally, an electrician from the management company admitted to having turned off the fire pump main switch and will provide a detailed explanation of the situation at the hearing.

SighingCashier

2026-03-24 08:44:12

Abstract generation in progress

Tai Po Hong Fu Court Fire Independent Committee held its third hearing today. Senior barrister Lu Shijie, representing the Urban Renewal Authority, stated during his presentation that in the scope of building maintenance and repairs, the Urban Renewal Authority has always played the role of a “facilitator.” He disagreed with the committee’s lawyer’s view that the URA “accepts everything as is,” and believed it was unfair to imply or suggest that the URA has not fulfilled its duties.

Noticing Illegal Manipulation of Bidding

Lu Shijie pointed out that in the early days of assisting owners with repair arrangements, he noticed illegal actors manipulating the bidding process, such as only certain contractors receiving tender documents, and after the bid, forcing out interested bidders. More seriously, there were cases of tampering with the opening and evaluation results.

Lu Shijie said that the URA’s understanding of the Hong Fu Court repair project, which involved hiring consultant Hong Yi, was limited because the URA did not directly handle the hiring through a “tender process.” The URA cannot interfere with the owners’ bidding process and does not participate directly in repair works. He emphasized that the URA’s financial and staffing framework does not reserve personnel for building maintenance.

Regarding strengthening the “tender process” service, Lu Shijie stated that the URA is currently finalizing details with the government, and the actual implementation measures will be announced in due course. He stressed that no system can be foolproof, and even an enhanced version of the “tender process” may not completely prevent bid-rigging.

Property Management Electrician Claims to Have Turned Off Fire Pump Main Switch

Lawyer Xu Weiqiang of ISS, representing the management company, stated that two employees from Hong Fu Court’s engineering department assisted in drainage works for the fire pump room at the request of the main contractor Hong Ye. One electrician admitted that during the drainage work, he turned off the fire pump’s main switch. He will personally explain the situation to the committee at the hearing.

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