HONG KONG – October 31, 2026 -- The Hong Kong SAR government will launch the first phase of a centralized database of building maintenance projects and professionals in May or June next year, and will set up a public body from January to help homeowners oversee repair and renovation works.
Authorities also aim to amend several ordinances by April to strengthen crackdowns on bid-rigging and other anti-competition conduct.
Inquiry into the Wang Fuk Court blaze drives the reform package
The measures follow the release of an independent, judge-led inquiry report into the Nov. 26, 2025 fire at Wang Fuk Court, which killed 168 people and displaced nearly 2,000 families. The report analyzes the cause of the fire, identifies system deficiencies and sets out recommendations.
Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, who leads the steering committee overseeing implementation, said he was confident most measures could begin within months. The committee will hold its first meeting in November.
Government to table amendments to six ordinances by year-end
Some measures are already moving forward, including amendments to six ordinances that the government will table in the Legislative Council by the end of this year.
The centralized data system will take longer. Chan said it requires converting existing data from the data banks of various departments and developing the platform. He said the system will help review contractors' work.
New council to offer free and paid services from January
The Building Maintenance Support and Services Council is set to begin operations by the end of this year, with services launching in January. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said it will support owners and oversee project parties involved in building inspections, tender preparations, bid evaluations and construction.
Free services include lists of trustworthy consultants and contractors, templates of tender documents and engineering contracts, and cost data from past projects.
A paid service package is compulsory for homeowners applying for government repair subsidies. Officials estimate it will cost a few thousand Hong Kong dollars per household. Under the package, the council acts as agent in recruiting building inspection consultants, reviews inspection reports and assists owners during bidding and construction.
Authorities weigh criminal penalties for four types of tender collusion
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah said authorities are considering criminalizing four types of serious anti-competition conduct in tenders for building maintenance and renovation projects: bid-rigging, price-fixing, market sharing and output restrictions.