Consultant firm in Wang Fuk Court fire said to cease operations after directors arrested in corruption probe

Will Power Architects Company Limited, the engineering consultant responsible for the major repair works at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po—where a five-alarm fire killed dozens and injured many more—has reportedly ceased operations following the arrest of its two directors by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) last week.

The government earlier revealed that among 20 scaffold netting samples taken from the site, seven failed to meet flame-retardant standards, while foam panels used to seal windows contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze. The scandal has intensified scrutiny over the company’s role in the maintenance project.

Rumors circulated on Tuesday that Will Power Architects would no longer be able to fulfill its contractual consultancy duties and had decided to suspend and terminate its business with immediate effect.

When reporters visited the firm’s Kowloon Bay office on Wednesday afternoon, they found the metal shutters pulled down. Staff from neighboring offices said employees had been present yesterday but none were seen this morning.

Clients told of closure; Industry impact widens

Chiu Yan-loy, secretary of the owners’ corporation at Allway Gardens, said he learned of the company’s shutdown only yesterday. He said the corporation and its property management office had received a phone call informing them that the firm could “no longer continue operations,” adding that a written notice would follow under contractual requirements.

Chiu noted the practical reality that “the firm is unable to function,” explaining that an engineering consultant relies fundamentally on its authorized signatories—registered professionals such as AS or AP—who approve plans and certify works. With both licensed signatories now arrested, “the company simply cannot operate,” he said.

About 200 ongoing or pending projects involving Will Power Architects are now expected to seek new consultants.

Chiu said the company was considered a sizeable player in the sector, handling not only major renovation works but also smaller improvement projects such as lift replacements and alteration-and-addition jobs.

Scaffolding removal begins elsewhere

At On Kay Court, another housing estate that had engaged Will Power Architects for major repairs, workers on Tuesday began dismantling scaffolding netting starting from Block D. One scaffolder told reporters that the entire estate’s scaffolding netting would be removed. 

Some residents expressed concern that the cost of removal and replacement might ultimately fall on homeowners.

Will Power Architects was incorporated in 2006 and has two directors, Ng Yeuk and Wong Hap-yin, who are also direct or indirect shareholders. Both were among those arrested by the ICAC in connection with suspected corruption linked to the Wang Fuk Court renovation project.

Will Power Architects Company Limited has reportedly ceased operations following the arrest of its two directors by the Independent Commission Against Corruption last week.

Will Power Architects Company Limited has reportedly ceased operations following the arrest of its two directors by the Independent Commission Against Corruption last week.