MTR works scandals on Sha Tin to Central link are a wake-up call on ‘grey areas’ in regulations
At present, engineers are empowered to proceed with minor changes to building superstructure. But what if what they classify as “minor” is considered to be “major” by the Buildings Department? This difference of opinion, even if related to changes that seem small, could affect the stability of the construction and pose a threat to public safety.
The MTR construction problems were revealed well before the Sha Tin-Central link began operations, but we may not always be this fortunate, and the consequences could be disastrous.
The government should provide clear guidelines to the engineers, so there are no more “grey areas”. The extent to which engineers are empowered to make decisions should be clarified. Meanwhile, the government should be able to more closely monitor construction projects in the interest of public safety.
The series of scandals surrounding the MTR is a wake-up call for Hong Kong to revise the current regulations dealing with major construction projects that affect the public interest.
John Chan, Ma On Shan