Ongoing Inquiry Asked To Cover New MTR Scandals

Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Thursday that the latest set of construction problems revealed at the MTR's Hung Hom Station will be investigated by an independent inquiry she appointed in July.

Making the announcement, Lam also said she is extremely disappointed at the MTR's failures in managing the project.

The commission of inquiry (COI), chaired by retired judge Michael Hartmann, concluded its months-long hearing just two days ago on alleged shoddy works in the station's diaphragm walls and connecting concrete slabs.

But it will now have to look into problems at two approach tunnels and a set of secondary tracks, including unapproved design changes and missing building records.

Lam says Justice Hartmann agreed with her that it's appropriate for the commission to investigate the new problems, as they all belong to the same project contract.

The CE added that the commission will submit an interim report by the end of February, saying it is up to the commission to decide how and when to conduct its new tasks and what witnesses to call.

Engineering sector lawmaker Lo Wai-kwok said he agreed with the decision to expand the scope of the commission of inquiry.

“This COI is the one with the best reputation and has the trust from the public and this is also why I suggest the new incidents and the new findings in the Hung Hom Station are best taken care of by this COI,” he said.

But Civic Party lawmaker Tanya Chan urged the government to expand the mandate of the commission to cover the entire Shatin-Central Link.