URA to oversee govt-sponsored renovation works to prevent bid-rigging
發佈日期: 2026-01-14 20:26
TVB News
To address bid-rigging issues in renovation and maintenance works, the government is rolling out an enhanced version of its "Smart Tender" scheme.
Under the scheme, the Urban Renewal Authority will monitor government-subsidised maintenance works.
The tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has renewed concerns about the city's bid-rigging woes.
The government has proposed to reform the Urban Renewal Authority's "Smart Tender" Building Rehabilitation Services Scheme to include stricter requirements for project consultants and contractors to join the pre-qualification list - with stronger disqualification mechanisms.
They can only take part in the tender after being included in that vetted list.
Secretary for Development BERNADETTE LINN: "We would look at whether they have conviction or disciplinary records. Those contractors will also have to go through background screenings with the police and the ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption)."
If the project is funded by the government, the URA will join the tendering, evaluation and decision process of the winning consultants and contractors.
The URA will also offer suggestions for non-government-funded projects.
She says the contractors will have to report to the URA should there be a change in the project scope or cost overruns.
Edward Lo, President of the Hong Kong General Building Contractors Association, says the industry hopes to have a clearer vetting criteria for the prequalification list, including which crimes are targeted such as bribery and fraud cases, and which roles should face tighter background checks -- say licensees, directors, shareholders or key employees.
Lo notes that when homeowners' feedback is considered, authorities should also gauge their objectivity -- and whether they come with any malicious intentions.
Records reveal that the "Smart Tender" scheme takes nearly two years on average to complete tendering work.
The URA has been in the red over the past three fiscal years. Can it handle the new duties?
URA's Non-Executive Director Michael Lee says the most worrying thing is whether the URA's resources and manpower can implement the various newly added preventive measures fully to prevent corruption and bid-rigging.
