Development Minister Bernadette Linn revealed on Wednesday that a house at One Stanley in Hong Kong's luxury residential development project did not comply with approved structural plans, specifically noting inconsistencies in steel reinforcement work. The investigation, following allegations that the residence had fewer steel bars than permitted, found that wire mesh and steel configurations were not in line with the approved plans, and that these discrepancies were never reported to authorities. Linn stated that the Buildings Department is now consulting with the Department of Justice about potential legal action. She also announced that random inspections would be conducted on 15 houses and 12 units at six residential blocks within the same estate, with the developer required to use independent, accredited laboratories to conduct tests under the supervision of authorities. Legal enforcement will be taken if any violations are discovered.
The findings at One Stanley have prompted Secretary for Development to implement stricter measures, including a requirement for contractors to document steel reinforcement work through photos or videos before concrete pouring and submission of records to authorities. Linn expects these measures to be phased in by January and has already initiated discussions with the industry to ensure smooth implementation. The inspections and new regulations aim to guarantee adherence to building standards and enhance transparency in the construction process.