ISAAC LAWRENCE

The Buildings Department said on Saturday (October 3) that it had found, during an investigation into a villa at One Stanley in Stanley, that wire mesh had not been installed in the protective concrete cover of a beam at the lower ground floor in accordance with the approved plans. The reinforcement arrangement in parts of the floor slabs also differed from the plans. The department said the situation had "not posed any apparent danger", but said the quality of the construction required attention and follow-up. It has written to the relevant professionals and the developer, asking them to attend a meeting to assist with the investigation. newshket

The unit is an occupied residential property. An occupation permit was issued in July 2023, and the owner was carrying out renovation works after purchasing it. The department received a report in January from the owner's representative concerning the structural safety of the floor slabs inside the property. The department's announcement only concerned the villa and did not say whether other units in the development would also be inspected [To be verified: whether the Buildings Department has been asked if the scope of the inspection will be expanded]. news

The department said it conducted an inspection by appointment in March and considered that there was no apparent danger to the overall structure of the house. It then began an investigation and wrote to the project's registered structural engineer, requesting a report as well as material test reports, certificates and other information. From June to September, officers carried out multiple site inspections and tests, including rebound hammer tests for concrete strength, cover-meter surveys, surface radar surveys of reinforcement arrangements, core compression tests and on-site opening-up inspections. The data is now being analysed. news

The recipients of the department's letters included the project's authorised person, registered structural engineer, registered contractor and developer. The department reminded the industry that under the Buildings Ordinance, building professionals and contractors must supervise and carry out building works in accordance with the approved plans. If the department finds during its vetting or investigation of a complaint that works were not properly supervised or carried out, those involved may face prosecution and disciplinary action. news

Media reports in recent days said the number of main reinforcing bars in some parts of the villa was about 40 per cent to 75 per cent lower than shown in the approved plans. The Buildings Department's announcement did not include these figures [To be verified: the original source of the figures and whether they have been confirmed by the department]. tvb

The developer, K&K Property, later said it was looking into and verifying the matter. It would do its best to co-operate with the Buildings Department's investigation and provide a further response after obtaining more information. stheadlinethestandard

The Buildings Department will continue its investigation into the matter. The date and arrangements for the meeting have not been announced [To be verified: whether the department has set a date for the meeting]. According to a report published by the government's news website, the Development Bureau will submit a bill to the Legislative Council by the end of this year to amend the Buildings Ordinance, including raising the penalties under the relevant provisions.