Flat alterations must follow rules for sake of residents’ safety

Owners of Hong Kong’s small and expensive flats are, not surprisingly, often tempted to make alterations to their property to ensure the best use of the available space. But renovations, especially those involving structural changes, must comply with building regulations to ensure that they are safe. Most flats in the city are in tower blocks. If a building collapses or crumbles, the risk of death and injury is high. The problems identified at a private flat in a residential complex in Tseung Kwan O must, therefore, be taken very seriously.

Concerns were raised by internet users when a video of construction work at the 681 sq ft flat at The Capitol, Lohas Park, was posted. They saw that part of a load-bearing wall had been removed to create a door. Inspections later revealed building rules had been breached, and a government investigation is under way.

Thankfully, the building has been declared safe from imminent collapse, although that is cold comfort for worried residents. A restoration plan must be submitted within days and completed inside a month.

But that should not be the end of the matter. The potentially dangerous, apparently unauthorised, alterations only came to light because the online video happened to attract attention.

The investigation should ensure that those responsible for the work have not made similar alterations in flats elsewhere and that all units in the complex are safe. Thorough checks are required. Steps must also be taken to review the city’s system for inspecting and assessing building plans to ensure they comply with regulations.

Many types of renovation work can be performed by professionals without seeking permission, but the Buildings Department must be notified. Authorisation is, however, needed if structural changes are made. The penalty for unauthorised work is up to two years in jail and a HK$400,000 fine. But if plans are not submitted as required, such works are difficult to police. The government has pledged to step up public education and publicity. This needs to be done. No one should be able to say they did not know the rules. Contractors have no excuse for failing to comply.

The city has had more than its fair share of construction scandals. The most serious was the collapse of a 53-year-old tenement building in To Kwa Wan in 2010, which killed four people. Other old buildings have partially collapsed. Illegal structures have long been recognised as a problem, but continue to be widespread.

Hong Kong, with its cramped accommodation, multiple tower blocks and old tenements must ensure that buildings are properly maintained, inspected when necessary and only altered in accordance with the rules. The safety of residents is paramount.