The Chairman and Commissioner of the Commission of Inquiry (the Commission) into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) Project, Mr Michael Hartmann, accompanied by the Commissioner of the Commission, Professor Peter Hansford, presented an interim report to the Chief Executive today (February 25). The interim report covers the original terms of reference of the Commission appointed on July 10, 2018 concerning the diaphragm wall and platform slab construction works at the Hung Hom Station Extension under the SCL Project implemented by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), as well as related systemic issues.
The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, expressed appreciation to Mr Hartmann and Professor Hansford for their dedicated efforts in conducting the inquiry and preparing the interim report on the Commission's original inquiry scope in less than eight months.
"The Government attaches importance to safeguarding public safety and promoting assurance on works quality in taking forward our infrastructure projects. We will give careful consideration to the Commission's interim report. We also look forward to the early completion of the extended part of the Commission's inquiry," Mrs Lam said.
The Government will carefully study the interim report, and consult the Department of Justice on the manner of the publication of the interim report and other relevant matters. The Government will publish the report in an appropriate manner once a decision is made.
The Commission was appointed on July 10, 2018 to inquire into the steel reinforcement fixing works and any other works which raise public safety concerns in respect of the diaphragm wall and platform slab construction works at the Hung Hom Station Extension under MTRCL's Contract No. 1112 under the SCL Project. Originally required to report its findings and recommendations to the Chief Executive within six months from the date of appointment, i.e. by January 9, 2019, the Commission was granted an extension of time at its request until February 26, 2019 to submit its report in view of the extensive scope of its inquiry, the complexity of the matters under examination and the large number of witnesses involved.
On February 19, 2019, in the light of the irregularities that have recently come to light concerning the construction works at the North Approach Tunnels, the South Approach Tunnels and the Hung Hom Stabling Sidings under the same works contract, the Chief Executive in Council approved the expansion of the terms of reference of the Commission to cover these works and related matters as well as a further extension of time for the Commission to submit its report to the Chief Executive by August 30, 2019 or such time as the Chief Executive in Council may allow. The Commission may submit interim reports on any aspects of the inquiry as it may see fit under the terms of its appointment.
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