LettersEnsuring building safety in Hong Kong an uphill struggle
Readers discuss efforts to reduce shoddy work in building renovation, signs on expressways, and classic Hong Kong comedy films
The government should be commended for seeking to combat bid-rigging in large-scale, high-value procurement decisions and to enhance the democratic process of voting in owners’ committee meetings. However, if the ultimate goal is to reduce poor and shoddy work, this outcome may not be achieved.
As a relatively new homeowner – and, more recently, a reluctant inductee to the management committee – I have discovered, unsurprisingly, that the bottom line for most homeowners is cost. Consequently, the tender offering the lowest bid is often the one chosen. Although this is not always the case, lower costs tend to be associated with hastier work, inferior materials and short cuts. Most owners adopt an “it won’t happen to me” attitude when it comes to safety.