Hong Kong Fire Exposes Contractor’s Troubling Safety Record

Residents of Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong are grappling with the aftermath of one of the city’s deadliest fires, which claimed at least 159 lives on November 26, 2024. Investigations reveal that homeowners were misinformed about the safety record of the contractor implicated in the tragedy, Prestige Construction & Engineering Co. Documents obtained by Reuters indicate that Will Power Architects, hired by the homeowners’ corporation, assured residents that the contractor had a clean safety slate. However, records from the Labour Department show that Prestige had faced more than a dozen penalties for safety violations prior to being awarded the HK$330 million (US$42.4 million) renovation contract.

The revelations raise significant concerns regarding the hiring practices and safety oversight involved in the renovation project. According to the Labour Department’s records, which date back to 2016, Prestige was fined for serious breaches, including improperly installing scaffolding and faulty electrical connections. These offences are typically prosecuted in a magistrate’s court, highlighting the severity of the contractor’s past conduct.

The process through which Prestige was selected has come under scrutiny. Will Power Architects rated Prestige highly among 57 bids, citing a spotless safety record in its presentations. Yet, the evidence contradicts this claim, with the Labour Department confirming that Prestige had accumulated fines totaling HK$309,000 for 15 workplace safety violations between September 2016 and June 2019. Despite these alarming findings, neither Will Power nor Prestige responded to requests for comment, leaving many residents and stakeholders in the dark about the circumstances surrounding the contractor’s hiring.

Concerns Emerge Over Safety Protocols

Residents of Wang Fuk Court voiced their worries about safety practices on site, particularly regarding the use of flammable materials. Complaints surfaced about workers smoking during renovations and the inadequate fire safety measures implemented by Prestige. Some homeowners even attempted to revoke the contractor’s contract, expressing frustration over escalating costs and perceived fire hazards.

The Labour Department had previously informed residents that fire risks were “relatively low,” despite receiving complaints about the renovation mesh used during construction. In interviews, officials noted that inadequate materials were employed, with parts of the scaffolding mesh failing to meet fire-safety standards. The deputy leader of Hong Kong remarked that contractors had attempted to “fool” inspectors by mixing substandard materials with compliant ones.

As investigations continue, authorities have arrested at least seven individuals associated with both Prestige and Will Power. These arrests are part of a broader inquiry into possible manslaughter and corruption charges linked to the fire. Despite the ongoing legal scrutiny, police and the Labour Department have not disclosed specific details about the arrests or the scope of their investigations.

Homeowners Seek Accountability

The tragedy at Wang Fuk Court has prompted a significant backlash from residents. The complex, built in the 1980s, houses approximately 2,000 units, predominantly occupied by blue-collar workers and senior citizens. Following the fire, the homeowners’ corporation faced mounting pressure to address the inadequacies in oversight and contractor selection processes.

In early 2024, the costs associated with the renovation project more than doubled, leading to further discontent among residents. This prompted some homeowners to gather signatures in an effort to convene a special meeting aimed at replacing the existing board and terminating Prestige’s contract. Eventually, the meeting was held on September 6, 2024, where over 1,200 residents participated, ultimately resulting in a new leadership team.

The newly elected board decided against revoking Prestige’s contract, following legal advice that indicated doing so would leave homeowners legally liable. Instead, they initiated a review of the renovation project, focusing on fire-safety risks and mobilizing resident volunteers to monitor construction activities.

Despite these proactive measures, anxiety persists among residents. One homeowner, a retired electrician, took it upon himself to remove potentially dangerous materials from his unit, illustrating the deep-seated fears surrounding safety standards. “Despite knowing the risks, no matter what he did, he couldn’t change what happened,” stated his son, conveying the helplessness felt by many in the wake of the tragedy.

The fire at Wang Fuk Court has not only exposed critical safety lapses but has also ignited a dialogue about the responsibilities of contractors and the need for stringent oversight in construction practices. As investigations unfold, the community continues to seek answers and accountability for the devastating loss of life and property.