MTR and contractor slammed for ‘serious deficiencies’ as investigation into scandal-plagued Hong Kong rail line concludes
- But while the probe cites poor workmanship and lax supervision, the Hung Hom station has been deemed safe for use, confirming an earlier Post report
- Whistle-blower Jason Poon, who worked as a subcontractor on the project, says he is likely to launch a judicial review challenging the findings
Hong Kong’s rail operator and its main contractor have been lambasted for “serious deficiencies” in their supervision of the costliest rail link in city history, though the scandal-plagued project will not require demolition, a high-level investigation has concluded.
The government, as the project overseer, was also criticised for not detecting shortcomings quickly and taking firm action to ensure things were back on the right track.
Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan and MTR Corp CEO Jacob Kam Chak-pui both apologised for inadequacies in the project’s construction, with the government has pledged to set up a new department to oversee railway matters.
“The commission is fully satisfied that, with suitable measures in place, the station box structure will be safe and also fit for purpose,” the report said.
