'No Cover-up Over Bypass Ventilation Damage'

The Director of Highways, Jimmy Chan, on Wednesday denied there had been any cover-up over damage to the air purification system in the tunnel part of the new Central-Wan Chai Bypass.

The government said contractors found broken fans and poorly fitted bolts in February, and officials were informed in early March. But the problem, thought to be down to poor installation work, was only made public on Tuesday.

Speaking after attending a Legco committee meeting, Chan said the delay was because engineers needed to wait for tests to be carried out to ascertain the extent of the damage.

"It is not a very common situation, so that's why we are carrying out a very detailed investigation to find out the cause of the problem," Chan said.

"When we have the result of the investigation, we will take [any] necessary action and follow up with the parties concerned."

Seven out of 15 fans at one of the three ventilation buildings for the tunnel section of the road were found to be damaged, and that part of the system has been switched off since February.

Officials stress, however, that the air ventilation is still working as it is supposed to.

The new bypass, which runs from Sheung Wan to North Point, opened on January 20 this year.