XN000022-1995-05-17 — Page 28

Quality of flats

In terms of quality, HOS/PSPS flats are built generally to a high standard. The Housing Authority adopts a quality assurance system comprising three main features. First, structures are designed to British Standard 8110. It is a higher standard than British Standard 114 which is commonly used in the private sector. Notwithstanding the publicity given to occasional complaints against the quality of HOS flats. It is important that they should be seen in the proper perspective. To quote an example, out of 70,000 flats in harmony blocks, only 103 cases of window leakages or 0.15 per cent were reported in the last two years. The record speaks for itself compared to the private sector. Second, all contractors used by the Housing Authority must be certified as having attained ISO 9000, a specified international standard in terms of quality control procedures. Third, to provide an objective yardstick to measure contractors' performance, the Housing Department has adopted a Performance Assessment Scoring System under which the quality of construction work is monitored and scores are assigned on a monthly basis. A contractor's future opportunity to tender is determined by his scores. Only contractors with proven track record and consistently satisfactory performance are allowed to tender. Hence, while I agree with the Honourable Tam Yiu-chung that the tender system favours contractors who bid at low prices. It is not true to say that low prices lead to poor quality. The performance assessment scoring system coupled with the tender system assured good value for money.

While HOS/PSPS projects have generally been completed on schedule and with good quality, I regret that there has been a notable exception with one project in Yau Tong. The delay is due partly to inclement weather, but mainly to slow progress and poor workmanship on the part of the contractor. Although the causes are beyond the control of the Housing Authority, it has agreed recently to offer ex-gratia payments to purchasers in view of the inconvenience caused. The Housing Authority has also decided to revise future sale and purchase agreements to protect the interests of purchasers, and to look for ways to improve further the quality of HOS/PSPS blocks and the performance of contractors.