Lawmakers flag gaps in proposed changes to building management rules after Tai Po fire

Tightening proxy votes and strengthening oversight are moves in ‘correct’ direction, but legislators cite potential drawbacks and loopholes

Hong Kong lawmakers have warned of implementation challenges in a government proposal to tighten proxy votes and owner attendance at renovation meetings as part of a broader move to strengthen oversight of building maintenance after the Tai Po fire.

Their warnings on Thursday coincided with the announcement of a second round of raids by the Competition Commission pertaining to a bid-rigging case involving 28 estates and contracts valued at around HK$500 million (US$63.7 million).

The government has stepped up enforcement against problematic contractors and strengthened building maintenance procedures since the catastrophic blaze at Wang Fuk Court that killed 168 people last November.

Authorities began a month-long consultation on Wednesday focused on five major amendments under the Buildings Management Ordinance.

“The overall direction is correct and has responded to residents’ concerns, but the key point is how to bolster building management protections for individual owners to avoid management problems, while balancing the fact that not many owners can attend the meeting for general matters,” lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu told a radio programme on Thursday.

Issues of building management and owner governance came under intense scrutiny during an independent committee hearing on the cause of the fire, with testimonies revealing alleged bid-rigging and suspicions over proxy vote collection.