Hong Kong authorities have ordered the removal of scaffolding nets at about 200 sites citywide following the deadly Tai Po fire, with firms starting work to meet a three-day deadline. Suspected false safety certificates were found at two building sites, prompting the measure to prevent repeats of the tragedy that claimed at least 159 lives.
A blaze broke out last Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, rapidly spreading through seven of its eight blocks under renovation since July last year, killing at least 159 people and lasting 43 hours. Authorities found that contractors at the site had installed cheaper, non-fire-resistant netting alongside approved materials to deceive inspectors, accelerating the fire's spread.
On Wednesday, the Hong Kong government ordered the removal of all about 200 scaffold nets citywide by Saturday, following allegations that a Shandong-based manufacturer falsified safety certificates for materials used in housing renovation projects in Chai Wan and Fortress Hill. The company claimed certification from the National Quality Inspection and Testing Centre for Labour Protective Equipment in Beijing, but Security chief Chris Tang Ping-keung stated the centre never issued such documents, launching a criminal probe.
By Thursday morning, workers were seen removing scaffolding mesh at a Kim Shin Lane development in Cheung Sha Wan and other sites. However, Tai On Building in Sai Wan Ho remained covered in the morning. Residents expressed concerns over fire risks post-Tai Po blaze, saying removal would eliminate hazards. Jenny Cheung, in her sixties and a 30-year resident, noted the renovation costs each household over HK$50,000 (US$6,425), with her paying about HK$20,000. She said removing the mesh would make her family feel safer despite expected delays.
Police have arrested 21 people, including 15 for alleged manslaughter and six from the fire alarm contractor for false declarations to the Fire Services Department that alarms would not be deactivated during works. Experts warn that regulatory gaps make manslaughter hard to prove, with codes paying little attention to materials in maintenance works.
