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 Commission of Inquiry into the Diaphragm Wall and Platform Slab Construction Works at the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project was appointed by the Chief Executive in Council on July 10, 2018.
The Commission of Inquiry conducted 46 days of substantive hearing between October 22, 2018, and January 29, 2019, and heard evidence from 72 witnesses. In addition, the Commission of Inquiry admitted 14 witness statements and an expert report into evidence without the witnesses being called to give evidence at the substantive hearing.
In view of the extensive scope of the inquiry, the complexity of the matters under examination and the large number of witnesses involved, the Commission of Inquiry needed an extension of time to consider the evidence and complete its report, and obtained the approval of the Chief Executive in Council on December 4, 2018, to submit its report by February 26, 2019.
On February 19, 2019, the Chief Executive in Council decided to expand the terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry to also ascertain the relevant facts and recommend appropriate improvement measures relating to the irregularities that have recently surfaced in the construction of the North Approach Tunnels, the South Approach Tunnels and the Hung Hom Stabling Sidings under the MTR Corporation Limited's Contract No. 1112. The Commission of Inquiry has been retitled Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project to reflect the expanded terms of reference.
Pursuant to the Chief Executive in Council's earlier approval for an extension of time given on December 4, 2018, the Commission of Inquiry has submitted its interim report to the Chief Executive today (February 25) on its findings and recommendations on matters covered by the original terms of reference.
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