Residents of Fung Wah Estate in Chai Wan and Fortress Garden in North Point are calling on the government to strengthen regulations regarding scaffolding nets after allegations surfaced about false documentation related to safety and compliance.
The protective nets at Fung Wah Estate and Fu Kar Court in Fortress Garden were removed on Thursday, following a government order to detach all scaffolding nets from buildings undergoing significant external maintenance by Saturday (Dec 6).
Hui, a resident of Fung Wah Estate for decades, expressed his shock over the potential dangers of scaffolding netting in light of the recent tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court. While he welcomed the removal of the nets, he criticized the contractor for “cutting corners” and urged the government to implement regulations mandating on-site inspections to verify the fire-retardant quality of new scaffolding nets.
Concerns over the financial implications of these maintenance activities were also raised. Hui worried that the costs associated with removing and installing the nets might ultimately be transferred to residents, adding to their existing financial strain.
Leung, another resident, shared that the maintenance expenses for his larger unit amounted to HK$50,000 and called for government financial support to ease the burden on homeowners.
Some residents expressed a desire for increased government oversight in the renovation process. Chiu suggested that future inspections of scaffolding netting should involve independent third-party verification, stating that if any samples failed to meet safety standards, all nets should be removed.
He emphasized the need for comprehensive inspections of all building materials to guarantee public safety.
Tung, whose father has lived in Fu Wah Estate for more than 10 years, underscored the need for more frequent sample checks by the government as residents often lack the knowledge to discern construction safety on their own.
In Fortress Garden, where only Fu Kar Court is currently undergoing maintenance, residents have also raised alarms about the safety of the scaffold netting, especially as other blocks prepare for major repairs.
Kwan, a resident of Fu Dat Court, questioned the credibility of the “certificates” issued by the contractor. She said she would propose testing building materials to ensure their quality in the owners’ general meeting.
Kan, a resident of Fu Wai Court in his 70s, urged the government to arrange dedicated officials to monitor and regulate the projects while also hoping for a thorough probe to ensure that no shortcuts are taken with construction materials.
