Clean up buildings renovation sector, Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors says
Industry group calls for government authority be set up to combat increasing graft and malpractice in the renovation of old buildings
The government needs to address growing malpractice and corruption in the renovation of old buildings, according to a professional industry group.
A Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors member said it planned to suggest the government establish an authority to regulate renovation work to ensure fairness and efficiency.
Such supervision is needed because there are about 19,000 buildings aged more than 30 years in the city and many are in decay.
Currently, the Buildings Department selects 2,000 buildings of more than 30 years old for its Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme every year. Under the scheme, flat owners have to carry out inspection and repair works when needed.
The Housing Authority and the Urban Renewal Authority have introduced similar schemes over the past few years to encourage flat owners to repair their old buildings.
However, as the number of old buildings increases, industry observers say a revamp of current practices is required to maintain quality standards and minimise malpractice and corruption in renovation work.