Hong Kong authorities investigate concrete quality at Tung Chung housing project

The Hong Kong Housing Authority has ordered further inspections of concrete quality at a social housing project in Tung Chung, Lantau Island. Routine inspections conducted between late August and early September identified issues with the concrete used in structural components of blocks 3, 4, and 5 at the Tung Chung Area 42 residential site.

The project, valued at approximately HK$5.4 billion, is designed to provide over 6,000 social housing units for roughly 16,611 residents. The main contractor, Able Engineering, has been instructed to take additional concrete core samples to test compressive strength against contract standards. Authorities have also mandated that the contractor submit a detailed report including a rectification plan and immediately replace the concrete supplier.

Able Engineering is currently facing other scrutiny regarding substandard elevator installations at the Queen Mary Hospital expansion in Pok Fu Lam. If the investigation confirms violations, the contractor faces downgraded performance ratings, which could impact future bidding opportunities, or more severe penalties including suspension from bidding.