The Urban Renewal Authority announced on Tuesday it will launch tenders for 40 housing estates previously using Will Power Architects Company as consultant. The move follows the company’s reported cessation of operations after last year’s deadly fire.
The authority said the estates have an urgent need to clarify completed yet unpaid work costs and prepare new tender documents. It will provide a transitional service by assisting them to hire an independent reviewer soon for third-party assessments and drafting documents. The estates had already begun maintenance work under Will Power Architects. The company is extremely unlikely to continue its supervisory duties while under investigation. Last year directors of Will Power were arrested after a blaze at Wang Fuk Court killed 168 people. The estate was undergoing large-scale renovation supervised by the firm. The authority noted that tenders and evaluations would take considerable time if the estates appoint new consultants.
