The Buildings Department said today it is investigating an incident involving the quality of steel reinforcement in a house at One Stanley in Stanley, adding that it will pursue the matter seriously if any parties are found to have violated the Buildings Ordinance (BO).

The department made the statement in response to a media report concerning the incident. It emphasised that it is highly concerned over the matter, noting that it has been following up seriously and conducting an investigation since receiving the initial report. 

The occupation permit of the house was issued in July 2023, and the owner subsequently carried out decoration works after purchasing the property. 

In January this year, the department received a report from the owner's representative regarding the structural safety of the floor slabs in the house. Following an appointment made with the owner, departmental staff conducted an on-site inspection in March and concluded that the overall structure of the house posed no obvious danger. 

An investigation was then launched. The department also wrote to the development’s registered structural engineer to request a report and relevant information, including material test reports and certificates.

Between June and September, departmental staff were deployed to the house multiple times to carry out inspections, tests and examinations. These included rebound hammer tests on concrete strength, cover-meter surveys, surface penetrating radar surveys to check reinforcement alignment, concrete core compressive strength tests, and on-site open-up inspections. 

As the department analyses the data obtained, findings have indicated that the concrete cover of one of the beams on the ground floor was not installed with wire mesh as required by the approved plan. Furthermore, the steel reinforcement of some slabs deviated from the approved plan. 

Although these conditions do not pose an obvious danger, the department considers that the quality of works warrants concerns and follow-up actions. It will conduct further investigation and has written to the relevant parties – including the authorised person, the registered structural engineer, the registered contractor, and the developer – requesting interviews to assist in the investigation and to provide further information.

The department reminded the industry that under the BO, building professionals and contractors must supervise and carry out building works in accordance with approved plans. Those found to have failed to properly supervise or execute building works during department audits or upon complaint investigation face prosecution and disciplinary action. 

The Development Bureau will submit a bill to the Legislative Council by the end of this year to amend the BO, which will include increasing penalties under the relevant provisions.