Fire safety push

Lawmakers yesterday cast doubt on the effectiveness of steps to improve fire safety in public buildings.

Public consultation on the issue will conclude at the end of next month.

Chang King-yiu, Deputy Secretary for Security, told legislators: 'We will try to remove the potential fire risk if we can. If we cannot, we hope we can employ management companies.

'We also hope to amend laws so that new owners of flats will become members of the ownership committee, dealing with fire safety in that buildings. And a loan scheme will be created to help the owners raise money for the improvement of safety levels.' Legislators expressed doubts about how effective such measures would be. Lee Kai-ming said: 'There are often people living in illegal extensions on rooftops. If they are considered a fire risk and have to be removed, will there be other measures to help to relocate the people?'