In the latest session of Hong Kong's inquiry into the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire—which killed 168 and displaced nearly 5,000—Urban Renewal Authority officials admitted their tendering system cannot prevent market manipulation or bid-rigging in estate renovations, citing limited resources and a policy of non-interference in homeowners' choices.
The November blaze engulfed seven of the Tai Po estate's eight blocks during renovations, revealing multiple fire hazards.
A third-party review commissioned by the URA had estimated the exterior overhaul at just over HK$102 million (US$13 million).
Officials told the hearing the system lacks mechanisms to stop firms from manipulating bids, and the authority would not intervene even if suspicious activity was detected, deferring to homeowners' decisions on contractors.
