THE problem of dangerous buildings has been exacerbated by the latest construction boom in China, according to a report which says mainland developers and contractors often ignore safety standards and employ unqualified workers.
China's semi-official Hongkong China News Agency yesterday blamed the problems on a lack of government supervision and legislation. It said many new high-rises and factories were ''hidden time bombs''.
But informed sources said widespread corruption and nepotism among officials were the real causes.
The agency said many modern high-rises were built without proper site studies.
''Although the mainland authorities have made clear that all high-rises of more than 20 storeys high must have stability checks of their sites, many have not done so,'' the report said.
Officials were alarmed by two recent building collapses and feared the problems could get out of hand.
