Editorial | Hong Kong flat alterations must follow rules for sake of residents’ safety
- Official investigation has been launched into potentially dangerous, apparently unauthorised, work at home in a city tower block
Owners of Hong Kong’s small and expensive flats are, not surprisingly, often tempted to make alterations to their property to ensure the best use of the available space. But renovations, especially those involving structural changes, must comply with building regulations to ensure that they are safe.
Most flats in the city are in tower blocks. If a building collapses or crumbles, the risk of death and injury is high.
The problems identified at a private flat in a residential complex in Tseung Kwan O must, therefore, be taken very seriously.
Concerns were raised by internet users when a video of construction work at the 681 sq ft flat at The Capitol, Lohas Park, was posted. They saw that part of a load-bearing wall had been removed to create a door.
Inspections later revealed building rules had been breached, and a government investigation is under way.