Govt set to tighten oversight of building management: Alice Mak

The government will table amendments to the Building Management Ordinance on Monday to address its long-standing lack of authority over owners' corporations, said Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen.

Her remarks follow approximately 1,630 building management complaints received by the Home Affairs Department over the past five years.

Speaking on a radio program on Sunday(Feb 8), Mak attributed the rising complaints to the increased public understanding and expectations on building management. 

She reported that these complaints cover various issues, involving the service quality of property management firms and disputes arising from building maintenance projects. 

Citing limited authority and staffing as key challenges, she confirmed she will outline the proposed amendments in the Legislative Council on Monday.

Proposed amendments will include enhancing the regulatory authority's powers, restructuring manpower frameworks, and revising procurement rules for major maintenance projects to handle public complaints more effectively.

Briefing before voting

Notably, owners' corporations would be required to hold briefing sessions at least seven days before voting on large-scale works as well as a cap on proxy votes. 

In response to the opinion to abolish proxy votes, Mak pointed out the practical difficulties in implementation, as proxy votes are necessary for some owners, such as those residing overseas or elderly individuals. 

She believes that it is more important to strengthen the monitoring the usage of proxy votes, including future requirements for owners’ corporations to display a list of proxy votes to prevent forgery.

Additionally, authorizers must confirm they understand the meeting agenda and their ownership status.

“Falsifying information will be a criminal offense, and the goal is to encourage in-person participation,” she added. 

To combat bid-rigging, the amendments would also tighten conflict-of-interest declarations, requiring engineering consultants to disclose any ties to contractors.

Handover process at Wang Fuk Court ongoing

Meanwhile,  Mak reported that government-appointed administrator Hop On Management Company (Hop On) is still undergoing a handover with the previous management at Wang Fuk Court after the tragic fire.

She indicated that the process is taking longer than expected due to complex circumstances but confirmed that Hop On has launched an informational website and is engaging professionals regarding claims against the contractor.

While some residents have expressed a desire to return home, Mak clarified that the site remains under evidence collection and structural repair, with Hop On cooperating throughout the process.