HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday urged the construction sector to make use of technology to enhance safety at construction sites, a day after 11 people were injured in a scaffolding collapse in Kai Tak.

A bamboo scaffolding structure, measuring 20 by 60 meters, gave way on Monday in the construction site of the New Acute Hospital, injuring 11, with four in critical and one serious condition.

Addressing the media ahead of the weekly Executive council meeting, the CE said the scaffolding work had stopped and the Labour Department will conduct “a comprehensive and swift” investigation, with offenders involved to be pursed in accordance to the law.

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“I appeal to all practitioners of construction sites, particularly those responsible for construction safety, to strictly implement safety measures in accordance with the law and the guidelines set by the Labour Department. I also encourage everyone to use technology to improve site safety,” he said.

Highlighting that the fines had already been increased to HK$10 million ($1.28 million) and the highest punishment is now two years’ imprisonment, Lee called on anyone who found out problems with the construction process or overall arrangement to report it to the government.

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Border control points during Chinese New Year

Asked whether the working hours of border control points will be extended during the Chinese New Year holiday, the CE said the government has held its first meeting to consolidate and analyze the actual number of tourists, as well as the overall arrangements for various activities, transportation and crowd management.

“We will work with the mainland authorities and announce details soon,” he added.

National security

Regarding pollster Robert Chung Ting-yiu who was taken by national security police on Monday in connection with a probe into whether he or his organization aided any absconder, Lee emphasized that for cases involving national security, the government will strictly enforce the law and investigate till the end.

“Anyone who are alleged to threaten national security will be pursued relentlessly by the government,” he said, advising all individuals and organization not to attempt any acts that threaten national security.

“The government will conduct a comprehensive investigation and hold accountable any organization or individual that assists fugitives who endangered national security.”

Professional groups could perform their own work as long as they do not threaten national security and act in accordance with their own ethical and professional codes of conduct, he added.

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Wan Chai redevelopment

About the relocation of the Chief Executive's Office of former CE Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor to the Immigration Tower in Wan Chai, Lee pointed out that the move will not affect the redevelopment project of three government buildings in the area, stressing that the project will go ahead as planned.

“The relocation can save government money and help make good use of the space in the existing building, ensuring that resources are well-used,” he said.

Lee also stated that the government will continue to promote capital projects amounting to HK$90 billion each year, with the Northern Metropolis project and lands for housing and industry development given a priority.