Safety unaffected but confidence shaken in CK Asset's housing project scandal

A corruption scandal involving steel reinforcement work at a Cheung Kong construction site on Anderson Road in Kwun Tong has raised concerns, though engineers assure that the structural safety remains intact.

Speaking on a radio program Thursday morning, structural engineer Ngai Hok-yan confirmed that while the site used about 10 percent fewer steel bars than approved in the building plans, the overall structural integrity is not compromised, and demolition is unnecessary.

However, he emphasized that the developer must improve construction supervision and safety measures to restore buyer confidence.

Ngai explained that Hong Kong’s stringent safety standards require 40 percent more steel reinforcement than theoretically needed to account for potential deviations in load-bearing capacity.

While the city’s safety margins are high—on par with international norms—he stressed that cutting corners is unacceptable, regardless of the remaining safety buffer.

Meanwhile, lawmaker Lo Wai-kwok, representing the engineering sector, condemned the malpractice as "infuriating and foolish," warning that it tarnishes the industry’s reputation. 

Speaking on the same program, Lo questioned how the oversight occurred, noting that standard procedures require inspections before concrete pouring—a checkpoint that should have detected the missing reinforcement.

While subcontracting is common in construction, Lo argued that primary contractors must bear ultimate responsibility.

He cautioned against excessive subcontracting, which can lead to lapses in supervision, and urged the Buildings Department to enhance random inspections without creating bureaucratic overkill.

Read more: Ten arrested over bribery scheme at Anderson Road housing project

(Marco Lam)