The following is issued on behalf of the Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project:
The Chairman and Commissioner of the Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project, Mr Michael John Hartmann, today (April 2) inspected the construction works at the North Approach Tunnels, the South Approach Tunnels and the Hung Hom Stabling Sidings under the MTR Corporation Limited's Contract No. 1112 of the Shatin to Central Link Project. He was accompanied by counsel and solicitors for the Commission.
On February 19, 2019, the Chief Executive in Council approved the expansion of the terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry as follows:
"Regarding the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL)'s Contract No. 1112 (Contract) of the Shatin to Central Link Project:
(a) (1) in respect of the diaphragm wall and platform slab construction works at the Hung Hom Station Extension,
(i) to inquire into the facts and circumstances surrounding the steel reinforcement fixing works, including but not limited to those works at locations that have given rise to extensive public concern about their safety since May 2018;
(ii) to inquire into the facts and circumstances surrounding any other works which raise concerns about public safety; and
(iii) to ascertain whether the works in (1)(i) and (ii) above were executed in accordance with the Contract. If not, the reasons therefor and whether steps for rectification have been taken;
(2) in respect of the construction works at the North Approach Tunnels, the South Approach Tunnels and the Hung Hom Stabling Sidings,
(i) to inquire into the facts and circumstances surrounding any problem relating to the steel reinforcement fixing or concreting works, including but not limited to any lack of proper inspection, supervision or documentation of such works undertaken, any lack of proper testing of the materials used for such works and of proper documentation of such testing, and any deviation of such works undertaken from the designs, plans or drawings accepted by the Highways Department or the Building Authority;
(ii) to inquire into the facts and circumstances surrounding any works or matters which raise concerns about public safety or substantial works quality; and
(iii) to ascertain whether the works and matters involved in (2)(i) and (ii) above were executed in accordance with the Contract. If not, the reasons therefor and whether steps for rectification have been taken;
(b) to review, in the light of (a) above,
(i) the adequacy of the relevant aspects of the MTRCL's project management and supervision system, quality assurance and quality control system, risk management system, site supervision and control system and processes, system on reporting to Government, system and processes for communication internally and with various stakeholders, and any other related systems, processes and practices, and the implementation thereof; and
(ii) the extent and adequacy of the monitoring and control mechanisms of the Government, and the implementation thereof; and
(c) in the light of (b) above, to make recommendations on suitable measures with a view to promoting public safety and assurance on quality of works."
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