MTR Corp, Leighton Asia called to account on Hung Hom scandal

An inquiry has found that the MTR Corp and its project contractor, Leighton Asia, should be called to account for substandard works, poor management and weak oversight at the Hung Hom Station project under HK$90.7 billion Sha Tin-Central link, the Secretary for Transport, Frank Chan said today.

He also said the Commission of Inquiry headed by former judge Michael Hartmann found that Hung Hom Station extension structure is safe and “fit for purpose.”

The inquiry found "serious deficiencies'' related to how the MTR Corp and Leighton managed the project.

The inquiry also blamed the government for failures in its oversight.

The final report cited the Highways Department for not detecting deficiencies and repeated failures to act.

Chan made the observations today giving a briefing on the final report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Sha Tin to Central Link project.

In another press briefing, MTRC CEO Jacob Kam Chak-pui said the railway operator noted the recommendations of the final report and will follow up on them.

He said the company has been updating and improving project management practices over the past two years, including enhancing site management, digitization of site processes and improvement of project management and quality assurance system.

Kam added that the release of the final report provides an important basis to continue to move forward with the project, with 93 percent of the over work now completed.

"We will review and ensure that all operations facilities and systems are ready before the commissioning of passenger service. We will continue to use our best endeavor to complete the remaining SCL works in order to open the full Tuen Ma line next year and the East Rail line extension to Admiralty station in 2022," he said.