Developer receives one-year bidding ban over improper construction practices

The Development Bureau on Friday imposed a one-year tender ban on contractor Able Engineering Company Limited after an independent investigation confirmed improper construction practices at three Light Public Housing sites in Siu Lam, Tuen Mun and Chai Wan.

The Architectural Services Department discovered the issues during proactive inspections in late August, including unauthorized cutting of screws on concrete core wall formwork supports. 

The full report, submitted on November 5, 2025, was accepted today by the Housing Bureau and Development Bureau.

Able, which handled on-site construction and quality assurance for the projects, will be suspended from all relevant categories on the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works and related supplier and specialist lists for one year. 

Its joint-venture partner, Chun Wo Construction, escapes penalty as it only provided strategic planning advice without direct site involvement or supervision.

The contractor’s appointed structural engineer, C M Wong & Associates Limited, responsible for managing the resident structural engineer, also faces a one-year suspension from the Architectural and Associated Consultants Selection Board list. 

The project management consultant, Wong Tung & Partners Limited, hired by the Architectural Services Department, received a six-month ban, reflecting that supervision deficiencies were not found across all sites under its oversight.

Remedial works began at full speed in early November, including shifting and reinstalling affected modules, with Able bearing all associated costs. 

Any delay beyond the original completion dates will trigger liquidated damages. The department has ordered the replacement of all contractor site supervision staff, including site agents, works supervisors and resident structural engineers, as well as all consultant resident site supervisors.

Supervision has been significantly strengthened with full-time government staff on-site, additional surprise structural audits, and spot checks to ensure strict quality control.

Preliminary evidence suggests Able committed serious negligence or misconduct, leading to referral to the Registered Contractors’ Disciplinary Board under the Buildings Ordinance, which may impose fines, reprimands or removal from registers. 

Possible criminal false statements have been reported to police.

Authorities stress that the early detection highlights the effectiveness of existing monitoring mechanisms. 

The government remains committed to rigorous oversight, ensuring all Light Public Housing projects are completed to the highest safety and quality standards, delivering decent homes to those in need as quickly as possible.