TOUGH measures to outlaw 'cowboy' construction contractors have been drawn up in a Buildings Department consultation document.
The department proposes a major shake-up of its register of contractors to ensure all firms listed are properly qualified.
Separate lists will be compiled for general building contractors and those involved in specialist work including demolition, piling and asbestos removal. The register will cover all private construction. Firms working on public works are covered by different criteria.
The most far-reaching change is an annual interview all owners and directors of the 2,300 contractors on the register must have with a board of experts formed by the Government.
Assistant Director of Buildings, Cheng Wei-dart, said the experts had still to be identified but could include architects, engineers and senior construction executives.
He said people would have to pass this interview before a firm's registration was renewed.