Housing Bureau to Replace Independent Inspection Unit with New Regulator After Tai Po Fire
Tai Po fire: Housing Bureau to replace inspection unit criticised for multiple failings, ‘slack’ attitude
Chief Executive John Lee announced on 29 October that the Housing Bureau's Independent Inspection Unit will be replaced by a new regulator responsible for overseeing maintenance works at public housing estates across Hong Kong. The independent committee's report said the unit's supervisory attitude was lax and that it should bear full responsibility for multiple enforcement failures; the new body will be set up next month, and the Development Bureau will also amend the Buildings Ordinance.
The government announces that the independent inspection unit, criticised for lax supervision, will be replaced by a new regulator, and sets out follow-up arrangements including legislative amendments and a cross-departmental platform.
Source: Hong Kong Free Press · hongkongfp.com