Hong Kong's development minister has stated there is no need for a complete switch from bamboo to metal scaffolding, as the former was not the cause of last month's deadly Tai Po fire. This position marks a shift from Chief Secretary Eric Chan's earlier remarks urging a swift replacement.
Last month's inferno at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po killed at least 160 people, sparking debates on scaffolding safety. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki stated a day after the fire that Hong Kong should replace bamboo scaffolding with steel 'as soon as possible,' citing bamboo's inferior fire resistance compared to steel.
On Thursday, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho clarified that the government is 'absolutely' not suggesting bamboo scaffolding caused the deadly blaze. 'Everyone must be clear that the cause of the Tai Po fire likely involves many factors, and the investigation is still ongoing,' she said. Linn emphasized that she and the industry have reached a consensus that a blanket switch from bamboo to metal scaffolding is not necessary.
This stance highlights a divergence within the government on post-fire measures. Chan's proposal aims to enhance safety, while Linn urges decisions based on evidence to avoid hasty changes. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities examining multiple factors to prevent future tragedies.
