Contractors in Hong Kong are racing to tear down scaffolding nets used for estate renovation works to meet the government’s end-Saturday deadline, but some admit they will need more time.
An industry representative on Saturday estimated that work at all sites across the city would only be completed by early next week, given the lengthy processes and a limited number of trained workers in the city.
The development authority announced the removal order for all construction sites in Hong Kong on Wednesday, following a police investigation into a Shandong-based manufacturer that allegedly falsified safety certificates for scaffolding netting used in at least two residential sites.
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Among those asking for an extension is Sui Wo Court in Fo Tan, which has more than 3,500 flats, while the contractor of Elegance Garden in Tuen Mun, affected by a brief strike earlier, may also need more time.
“Most of the scaffolding companies, or supervisors we spoke to, told us they are not able to complete the tearing down today or tomorrow,” said Ho Ping-tak, chairman of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Bamboo Scaffolding Workers Union.
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“For example, one building is about 30 storeys high and only has seven workers. They have been working for three days and they are still not done, just for one building.”