Following the Wang Fuk Court blaze and removal of nets from 420 renovation sites, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn has rejected extending accreditation requirements to suppliers, deeming it overreach, while welcoming a Construction Industry Council recommended supplier list.
In a radio interview on Saturday, Secretary Bernadette Linn Hon-ho dismissed mandating supplier approvals under the new scaffolding net accreditation system. "The materials used in the industry are very diverse. And if our regulations have to cover such [details], would the government’s reach be considered too far?" she said.
Linn also affirmed no need for a blanket shift from bamboo to metal scaffolding. Building on the Construction Industry Council's procurement efforts—where the first batch of accredited nets is due next week—this approach balances safety enhancements with industry flexibility through recommendations rather than strict mandates.
