The inquiry into Hong Kong’s deadliest high-rise fire has entered a critical new phase. After five months of public hearings, the independent committee is now focused on identifying responsibility and charting reforms to prevent a recurrence. The inferno at Wang Fuk Court in November killed 168 people and left thousands homeless.
The stakes are high. The committee must confront uncomfortable evidence and discharge its duty without fear or favour, according to an editorial in the South China Morning Post. The disaster has exposed not just safety violations but long-standing regulatory flaws and a slack enforcement culture.
Residents expressed dismay when the government appeared to pass the buck, arguing that systemic issues in regulation led to failures, but that contractors bore primary responsibility. The judge-led committee has reviewed 1 million files and testimony from 80 witnesses. Its legal team released a 627-page closing submission with preliminary suggestions, including legislative changes for four departments: the Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit, Fire Services Department, Buildings Department and Labour Department.
Sweeping reforms are being introduced, including tighter fire safety laws and criminalisation of bid-rigging, following alleged collusion over a HK$336 million renovation project that used substandard materials. The final report has been delayed to late October for thorough review.
Article and image source: scmp.com
