Unease is spreading across Hong Kong’s housing estates as residents fear a repeat of the catastrophic Tai Po fire, while police investigate at least six buildings for scaffolding nets believed to have been installed using fraudulent safety certificates.
The buildings under investigation include Yee Kok Court in Cheung Sha Wan, Ching Lai Court in Lai Chi Kok, Marigold Mansions in Hung Hom, Baguio Villa in Pok Fu Lam, Fung Wah Estate in Chai Wan and Fortress Garden in North Point.
At Ching Lai Court, the removal of the nets brought partial relief—but also frustration. Resident Cheung voiced concerns about the added cost of reinstalling compliant scaffolding, especially after residents had already paid the full renovation fees.
“We should have been given compliant nets from the start. It's unreasonable to charge us more now,” Cheung said.
Another resident, surnamed So, said the estate’s renovation project began earlier this year and is slated for completion between this month and January. He called for stronger accountability.
“The government should pursue those responsible for illegal scaffolding practices—it could lead to deaths. Follow-ups are needed,” he said.
At Yee Kok Court, residents said their worries persist even after the nets were removed. KD (a pseudonym) said lingering safety concerns remain, adding that the government should first ensure the building’s fire alarms, emergency exits and other safety equipment are fully functional before reinstalling fire-retardant nets.
Another resident, Wong, warned that the removal of the nets introduces a new set of risks. The nets, he said, had offered residents protection from falling debris.
“Even sealing with plastic boards would have been better; now we’re left with bamboo scaffolding, which is risky if debris falls,” he said.
At Bella Vista, resident Cheung acknowledged that the site feels “less dangerous” after the nets came down. But he noted that ordinary residents have no means to verify whether certificates are genuine. He urged owners’ corporations to be transparent and proactive in reassuring residents.
Following the government’s order last week requiring all buildings under renovation to remove their external scaffolding nets, 227 private buildings had complied as of Monday (Dec 8).
