Investigating the Wang Fuk Court Fire: Management Oversight Under Scrutiny

The independent panel investigating the Wang Fuk Court fire, which resulted in 168 fatalities, is focusing on the management committee's role during the renovation project. Testimonies from key figures, including Tony Tsui Moon-come, the former chairman of the owners’ corporation, and construction workers, are central to understanding the circumstances leading to the disaster. Tsui stated that the management committee failed to ensure that the contractor, Prestige Construction and Engineering, executed the renovation in a staged manner, which could have mitigated risks.

South China Morning Post

During the inquiry, it was revealed that subcontractors did not adequately regulate smoking among workers on-site, despite acknowledging that this could have contributed to the fire's rapid spread. Ng Pui-kwan, a subcontractor, admitted that his company replaced fireproof windows with movable wooden boards at the request of Prestige, a decision he later deemed unnecessary. He also confessed to not knowing if the polyfoam boards used were fire-retardant, raising concerns about the safety measures taken during the renovation.

South China Morning Post

Accusations against Tai Po district councillor Peggy Wong Pik-kiu have surfaced, with residents claiming she exerted undue influence over the selection of Prestige as the contractor. Danny Fung, a former member of the management committee, alleged that Wong intimidated residents during meetings and improperly collected proxy votes to support Prestige’s proposal. Kenneth Tai Chi-man, another resident, reported that his mother was misled into allowing Wong’s associates to vote on her behalf, raising questions about the integrity of the voting process.

South China Morning PostSouth China Morning Post

Residents have expressed frustration over the management committee's actions and the perceived lack of oversight from government bodies. Lee Kwok-hung, who lost family members in the fire, criticized the Urban Renewal Authority for its failure to monitor the contractors effectively. He questioned the oversight mechanisms in place, stating, “Where was the oversight?” This sentiment reflects a broader community demand for accountability and transparency in the handling of the renovation project.

South China Morning Post

The inquiry continues to gather evidence, with further testimonies expected from Tsui and other witnesses. The management committee's decisions and the contractors' practices are under intense scrutiny as the investigation seeks to uncover the factors that led to the tragic fire.

South China Morning Post

While many testimonies point to negligence in safety practices and management oversight, some witnesses have defended the decisions made during the renovation. The inquiry has yet to fully resolve discrepancies regarding the extent of influence exerted by Wong and the management committee's responsibility in the contractor selection process.

South China Morning Post

“How could you, as a district councillor, help the management committee collect proxy votes?” — Anonymous Resident

South China Morning Post

“Where was the oversight?” — Lee Kwok-hung, Resident

South China Morning Post

“Upon knowing that, I immediately rushed down to retrieve the proxy, but that was done after many difficulties,” — Kenneth Tai Chi-man, Resident

South China Morning Post

“ Tai also accused Tony Tsui Moon-come, who became the management committee’s chairman after the project started, of turning a deaf ear to residents’ appeals to terminate Prestige’s contract.” — Anonymous Witness

South China Morning Post