In response to a recent fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong's government is reforming the Urban Renewal Authority's 'Smart Tender' scheme with homeowner satisfaction surveys to combat bid-rigging and improve building maintenance. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki announced plans for a preselected list of qualified contractors, with poor performers facing removal after investigations.
On Saturday, Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki announced that the Hong Kong government aims to improve the Urban Renewal Authority's 'Smart Tender' scheme by establishing a preselected list of qualified contractors. The scheme provides support to owners' organisations through an electronic tendering platform for procuring consultants and contractors to carry out building maintenance works. Owners applying for government maintenance subsidies must accept consultants and contractors assigned by the authority.
Chan said authorities would conduct surveys among homeowners to assess the performance of listed firms. 'We will conduct a survey to ask homeowners if they are satisfied with the work. If they are, the contractors will remain on the list, and if they are not satisfied and have complaints, we will investigate,' he told a radio programme.
These reforms follow a blaze in Tai Po and seek to enhance oversight and combat bid-rigging in construction sites.