HONG KONG (AP) — Uncomfortable questions are being raised regarding accountability for Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades, which tragically took the lives of at least 156 individuals. The recent high-rise apartment fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has ignited anger and frustrations surrounding building safety standards, suspected construction corruption, and insufficient government oversight.
Political analysts suggest that this disaster might be just the "tip of an iceberg" in a city known for its numerous skyscrapers, where concerns about bid-rigging and the use of hazardous materials in renovations across various housing estates have left residents fearful of similar calamities. As part of the ongoing investigation, police have already arrested 14 people, including scaffolding subcontractors and construction company directors, on allegations of manslaughter and gross negligence linked to the renovation project at Wang Fuk Court.
Officials' initial reports indicated that the green netting used for bamboo scaffolding complied with fire safety regulations. However, further investigations revealed that highly flammable foam panels, installed during the repairs, contributed to the rapid spread of the flames across seven of the complex's eight towers. In a concerning update, Eric Chan, Hong Kong's Chief Secretary, announced that seven out of 20 additional samples from the site failed to meet the required safety standards, implying that contractors may have compromised safety by opting for cheaper substandard materials.
Residents have voiced their safety concerns prior to the tragic incident, but the Department of Labor asserted that the netting was compliant with established standards. Despite having conducted 16 inspections at Wang Fuk Court since the previous year, the department emphasized the necessity for contractors to adhere to fire safety protocols. As the investigation unfolded, critics raised doubts about the reliability of government oversight, claiming it lacked efficacy and transparency. The public sentiment is leaning towards attributing blame to the government for its inadequate supervision.
Amid growing public outrage, Chief Executive John Lee announced the establishment of an independent committee, led by a judge, to investigate the fire. In the wake of evolving public scrutiny, Lee acknowledged the need for reform and admitted that various failures had been identified at multiple levels. Additionally, measures were suspended on 28 other projects managed by the same construction company, and contractors are actively removing foam boards deemed unsafe at other sites.
The issues surrounding bid-rigging, collusion, and inflated costs in Hong Kong's construction industry are commonly reported. With complex subcontracting structures prevalent in large projects, these factors further complicate oversight and raise the likelihood of substandard work. Jason Poon, a contractor and activist, described this incident as merely the tip of an iceberg, signaling potential larger systemic issues within the industry.
As the city grapples with the fallout from the fire, it is also contending with a heightened clampdown on dissent following the imposition of a national security law in 2020. The regime's swift actions to control narrative surrounding the fire, including the arrest of a petition organizer calling for accountability, reflect the tense political climate. This tragedy poses a significant test for the Hong Kong government's public relations, especially with an upcoming Legislative Council election on December 7, which is being closely monitored by Beijing.
For many observers, the critical question remains whether the Hong Kong government will heed public opinion and prioritize accountability in the wake of this disaster. The concerns raised by residents and the evident lapses in regulatory practices might very well influence the way forward for governance and safety standards in the territory.
