Govt. procurement woes again? Under fire this time: LCSD-purchased shoes
發佈日期: 2025-09-02 22:02
TVB News
Following recent criticisms over the government's procurement of bottled water, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is now embroiled in controversy after nearly 100 staff members voiced discomfort about the "jogging shoes" it procured.
Eight hundred pairs of shoes were purchased for employees through internal tendering.
Some 800 pairs of these "jogging shoes" were procured for lifeguards and technical staff last year by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Each pair costs less than 160 dollars.
The brand -- little known on the market.
The sole became like this after being used just twice.
Tang Tsz-on, president of the Government Lifeguards General Union, says their colleagues reported pain in the heels and soles after wearing them, noting that the company is not a footwear company, but with its business in modular housing and equipment.
He adds that the previous procurement involved internal consultation but not this time.
The union representative says the LCSD defended the procurement, explaining that the shoes met "basic specifications" with the lowest tender price.
So what are "basic specifications"?
Bidding documents show the tender required nine specifications, including breathability and grip.
Senior sporting science lecturer Lobo Louie, who is a member of the Occupational Health Advisory Committee of the Occupational Safety and Health Council, says the shoes likely meet tender requirements for running shoes.
But it is difficult to determine if they are suitable specifically for lifeguards, he says.
Government regulations allow internal tendering for goods under 1.36 million dollars.
Lawmaker Adrian Ho suggests future procurement should balance user feedback with pricing, stressing that comfort and practicality should weigh more heavily than rigid technical standards.
The LCSD says it had received feedback from staff over the shoes and would follow up with the supplier, but did not clarify how many companies were invited to bid or who made the procurement decision.
