Lok Sin-ying, a clerk with ISS EastPoint Properties, the management firm responsible for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, told the independent inquiry that discussions within the estate owners’ corporation suggested a frequent exchange of information between Will Power Architects, the renovation consultant, and government officials. This revelation adds to growing concerns about the transparency and impartiality of the safety checks conducted prior to the tragic November fire.

During questioning by Jeffrey Tam, representing a group of Wang Fuk Court residents, Lok stated that she repeatedly heard Will Power employees mention impending visits from Amanda Lau, believed to be a representative from the Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit (ICU). “In our meetings regarding the renovation project, people from Will Power would say, ‘Next week, Amanda will be visiting our estate,’” Lok testified. This suggests a level of forewarning that potentially allowed for preparation, and potentially, the circumvention of genuine safety assessments.

The Wang Fuk Court estate was undergoing extensive renovations when the fire erupted in late November, tragically resulting in the deaths of 168 individuals and leaving a community shattered. The scale of the disaster prompted a full public inquiry to determine the causes and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

See also: ‘Gov’t should bear greatest responsibility’: Tai Po fire survivors recall futile whistle-blowing attempts

Senior Counsel Victor Dawes, leading the inquiry, previously revealed that the ICU had indeed shared details of upcoming safety checks with Will Power Architects. These details were then allegedly passed on to Prestige Construction, the main contractor for the renovation project. WhatsApp records from October 27 – a month before the fire – showed ICU maintenance surveyor Amanda Lau arranging an inspection of scaffolding nets with Yeung Chi-man, an employee of Will Power. Dawes characterized these advance notices as “deeply concerning,” raising questions about the integrity of the inspection process.

Jenkin Suen, representing the Hong Kong government, countered these claims, arguing that advance arrangement of inspections was a practical necessity. He stated that having a representative from the inspected party present facilitated sampling and allowed for immediate communication. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism, particularly given the devastating consequences of the fire.

Concerns Over Proxy Voting and Signature Verification

Lok Sin-ying’s testimony also shed light on the process of handling “authorised letters” from Wang Fuk Court residents, used for proxy votes, including those related to the selection of the renovation consultant. ISS EastPoint Properties routinely assisted the owners’ corporation with these letters, but Lok admitted that signature verification was lax. “We can’t verify the signatures. Even an ‘X’ would be accepted as a signature,” she stated, adding that only incomplete letters prompted follow-up calls to homeowners.

This practice has drawn scrutiny, with residents previously raising concerns about the influence of Tai Po South district councillor Peggy Wong, a member of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB). Lok confirmed that authorised letters were “very common,” with approximately 100 proxy ballots – representing around half of the total votes – typically submitted at each election. This widespread use of proxy votes significantly impacted the outcome of decisions, including the selection of the renovation consultant.

Eyewitness Account and Clarification of Events

Chung Sui-ha, a building attendant with ISS EastPoint Properties, provided a harrowing account of the initial moments of the fire. She was working at Wang Cheong House, the building where the fire originated, when a non-resident alerted her to the blaze. “I ran to the first floor and activated the fire alarm, but it didn’t sound,” she testified, visibly distressed. “There was no smoke at first, but you could hear the fire crackling by the window.” Despite attempts to activate alarms on subsequent floors, none functioned.

Chung emphasized that she remained at the scene to assist with evacuations, dispelling rumors that she had fled. “Some neighbors said I was the first to leave, but that’s not true. I stayed to help residents evacuate. I was one of the last to leave,” she stated. Lok Sin-ying also refuted claims that property management staff had disappeared after the fire, confirming that she used a loudspeaker to guide residents to safety.

Did You Know?: Hong Kong’s Buildings Department has faced criticism for its inspection regime following the Wang Fuk Court fire, with calls for increased frequency and rigor of safety checks. Learn more about the Buildings Department here.

The inquiry continues, with further testimony expected to shed light on the systemic failures that contributed to this devastating tragedy. The question remains: was the fire a preventable disaster, and who bears the ultimate responsibility for the loss of life?

What further measures should be implemented to ensure building safety in Hong Kong? How can we better protect vulnerable residents from the risks associated with renovation projects?

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