Teresa Cheng isn’t the first - other big names caught out over illegal structures

New Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng joins a long list of senior officials – including two former leaders – caught out over unauthorised building works

Reading Time:3 minutes

An aerial view of Teresa Cheng's house in Siu Lam, Tuen Mun. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 4:00pm, 10 Jan 2018Updated: 12:39pm, 23 Jan 2018

Controversy over illegal structures – an issue that has haunted the government over the years – is back with a bang. New Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah has joined a long list of senior officials – including two former leaders – caught out over unauthorised building works. Buildings Department inspectors found that the homes of Cheng and her husband Otto Poon Lok-to in Tuen Mun contained multiple unauthorised extensions, including rooftop structures and basements. Cheng and her husband said they would cooperate with a department probe and fix the problems as soon as possible.

Justice chief ‘not compromised’ despite 10 illegal structures at homes, Hong Kong leader says

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng says she will remove illegal structures as soon as possible. Photo: Sam Tsang

What are unauthorised building works?

Unauthorised building works mean any addition or alteration to a property without prior approval from the Buildings Department. They also include small-scale building works that do not follow a specific control system under the law. Common illegal structures include supporting frames for air conditioners, canopies, rooftop structures and drainage misconnections.

Otto Poon also has illegal structures on his home. Photo: Winson Wong

Why is it a problem? And why do people still do it?

Vincent Ho Kui-yip, chairman of the building policy panel under the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, said unauthorised building works could cause several problems. “Illegal structures could affect the safety and environmental hygiene of a building,” Ho said. For example, a building could become overloaded with an extra storey added. Construction of a basement, which required the removal of soil from underneath a house, could affect the building’s foundations. The installation of structures not approved by authorities could also be dangerous if the items were not secure enough.