HONG KONG — Authorities in Hong Kong ordered the immediate dismantling of all external scaffolding nets on major public and private construction sites this week, mandating completion by Saturday amid an escalating investigation into the use of substandard, non-flame retardant materials linked to the deadly Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire that claimed 159 lives.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang and Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn announced the sweeping public safety measure late Wednesday, revealing that official inquiries strongly suspect contractors intentionally used inferior netting to cut costs. The mandate affects over 200 high-rise buildings currently undergoing maintenance. Concurrent criminal probes have already led to 21 arrests, with police now investigating alleged fraud involving false fire-retardant certifications used on netting at several public housing estates.
Alleged Fake Certifications Prompt Criminal Probe
The crisis deepened as Tang confirmed that investigations following the catastrophic Wang Fuk Court fire suggested widespread deception within the construction supply chain. In two specific renovation projects—at Peak Wah Estate in Chai Wan and Fu Chak Garden in North Point—safety certificates for scaffolding nets were suspected to be counterfeit documents.
“We have discovered documentation purporting to certify the flame retardance of these nets appears to be fabricated,” Tang stated at a press briefing at government headquarters.
Police discovered certifications allegedly issued by mainland Chinese quality control centers. However, follow-up inquiries with Chinese authorities revealed that one center, the National Labor Protection Products Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, never issued the relevant document, while the Binzhou Inspection and Testing Center could not be reached. The Hong Kong Police Force’s Hong Kong Island Regional Crime Unit has taken over the investigation into the suspected fabricated compliance forms, with Tang indicating that further similar cases are anticipated.
Two Hundred Buildings Affected by Removal Order
To mitigate immediate risks, Development Secretary Linn mandated that all existing scaffolding nets must be taken down from every building currently undergoing major renovation or maintenance, regardless of whether it is public or private property. Contractors have until Saturday to comply with the urgent removal order.
Linn estimated the directive impacts approximately 200 private buildings and more than a dozen public housing or government building projects. While acknowledging the logistical challenge, Linn stressed that public safety overrides all other technical considerations. Limited exceptions for failing to meet the deadline will only be granted upon scrutiny of highly compelling reasons.
Following the mandatory removal, the Buildings Department is set to issue new operational guidelines next week. These rules will require materials testing on-site—meaning scaffolding nets must be sampled immediately upon delivery and verified by accredited laboratory personnel before being deployed.
Accountability and Transparency Pledged
The latest announcements follow weeks of intense scrutiny after the Wang Fuk Court blaze dramatically exposed systemic failings in construction oversight. Authorities previously indicated that the death toll was exacerbated by non-operational fire safety systems in the building.
In parallel with the nets investigation, police recently arrested six fire safety installation contractors on suspicion of fraud, alleging they made false statements to the Fire Services Department claiming that fire alarms would remain operational during system maintenance.
Secretary Tang addressed concerns about the pace and clarity of information disclosure, emphasizing that the government decided to share preliminary findings immediately to prevent rumor and speculation.
“If the government only releases information after the final, complete reports are compiled, society will be plagued by conjecture and doubts about our transparency,” Tang explained.
Linn confirmed that contractors found to have used substandard materials or engaged in fraud related to safety certificates could face severe penalties, including de-registration under the Buildings Ordinance. She maintained that the government’s immediate focus is on ensuring public safety and strengthening regulatory oversight for construction professionals and suppliers to prevent similar tragedies.
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