Architectural Services Director slams contractor for covering up faults in LPH projects

Among the 4,000 screws inspected of the three Light Public Housing (LPH) projects with construction violations, 6 percent were found to be cut short, and 20 percent of the connection holes were enlarged, Director of Architectural Services Michael Li Kiu-yin announced Tuesday.

The issue of shortened screws was most prevalent in the Siu Lam project, while the Chai Wan project exhibited the most severe enlargement of connection holes. The specific distribution of the problematic screws remains unclear. 

Li expressed concern over the findings, particularly as some screws could still be threaded into components but were cut.. He emphasized that these issues stem from on-site construction practices and stressed the importance of proper screw installation for maintaining structural integrity.

He slammed the contractor, Able and Chun Wo Joint Venture, for covering up the faults in the construction process rather than consulting with the authorities. 

He highlighted that minor deviations may occasionally occur within building components, but design specifications typically allow for a certain degree of flexibility. He added that issues with assembly in Modular Integrated Construction projects can typically be resolved with a contractor's submission of a repair or modification plan. 

Li acknowledged that earlier assessments could have been beneficial, but thorough inspections were necessary to identify the problems as the affected component cannot be identified visually. He reiterated that the department's primary concern is the structural safety of the screws, necessitating a clear understanding of why the contractor opted to cut them short.

The contractor has also submitted a repair plan, with the worst-case scenario involving the removal of entire components and connection plates for inspection. The department is currently reviewing plans with the contractor, seeking better solutions while ensuring timely delivery, estimating that repair work could take four to five months.

Li indicated that it is currently difficult to conclude whether there was intentional concealment.

An independent investigation team has been set up to look into the matter, authorities announced Monday. 

BPA lawmaker Lo Wai-kwok, representing the engineering sector, expressed concerns over the potential for systemic management problems given the repeated issues across three public housing projects. He noted that construction processes require passing inspections before progressing to the next phase, implying that it is unlikely for such issues to arise from individual worker errors alone. 

When asked whether the contractor should be held accountable, Lo stated that responsibility should not rest solely on frontline workers. He believes that Able and Chun Wo Joint Venture has a solid reputation and trusts they will address the issues seriously. 

The Architectural Services Department discovered quality and on-site installation issues in LPH projects at Siu Lam, Yan Po Road in Tuen Mun, and Sheung On Street in Chai Wan since last month. The inspections have been underway since September after quality issues were uncovered at the LPH project at Lok On Pai, Siu Lam, at the end of August.