One More Technician Admits Faking Bridge Tests

Another laboratory technician responsible for testing the strength of concrete used to build the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud, after manipulating test reports.

The defendant, Ng Kai-yiu, admitted in the District Court on Friday to conspiring with others in the government contract lab to defraud the authorities.

He was accused of amending the date and time of tests carried out, to make it look like they met the time frame requirements. He had also used substitute concrete samples on some occasions, instead of the real thing.

Prosecutors said sample concrete blocks had to be immersed in water and tested within 28 days, but some were tested later than this.

In mitigation, Ng’s lawyer said his client did not change the outcome of the tests and he believed that what he did had not undermined public safety to a great extent.

Sentencing was adjourned until the end of the trial of other defendants charged in the same case. That trial is scheduled to take place in January next year.

Ng was remanded into custody.

In December Wong Kwok-yiu – who was employed by a government contractor and had input a measurement incorrectly – was jailed for eight months after admitting he had falsified tests.

The ICAC has linked 21 people to the case. Their arrests last year had sparked fears that the mega-bridge might be unsafe, although the government says subsequent checks have found no problems.

The controversial bridge project, which has been plagued by cost overruns and delays, is scheduled to open by end this year.