205 prosecutions launched over subpar steel work at CK Asset Hong Kong project

Hong Kong building authorities have initiated 205 prosecutions against seven people and two companies over alleged subpar steel reinforcement work at a CK Asset Holdings residential project after the city’s anti-corruption agency earlier uncovered suspected bribery in exchange for lax supervision.

The Buildings Department said on Friday that it had received a report last August alleging that steel reinforcements of some structural elements at a construction site on Anderson Road had not been installed properly, with subsequent investigations revealing deviations from the approved plan.

“Based on the investigation findings, the Buildings Department found that the registered general building contractors and individuals directly concerned with the building works have violated the Buildings Ordinance,” a spokesman said.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) earlier targeted the Anderson Road project in a bribery probe and arrested 10 suspects in May.

The project in Kwun Tong consists of six residential towers providing 2,926 flats, including about 1,000 that are designated under a “starter homes” pilot scheme for Hong Kong residents.

The ICAC alleged that individuals from steel reinforcement work subcontractors had provided illicit incentives such as cash in red packets, mooncake vouchers and lavish meals to site supervisors in exchange for lenient oversight, allowing deviations from the approved construction plan to maximise profits and save costs.