Housing Authority highly concerned about serious deficiencies in lift replacement works at two estates under Tenants Purchase Scheme
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) said on October 15 that it has been informed by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) that there were serious deficiencies during the lift replacement works at two estates under the Tenants Purchase Scheme (TPS), namely Pok Hong Estate in Sha Tin and Tsui Ping (North) Estate in Kwun Tong, in 2025 and 2026 respectively. Although a fire resisting rating certificate was submitted regarding the fire resisting doorsets, including door frame components, it was found that only the fire resisting doors were installed as required, but Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) Limited did not install the corresponding door frame components. Though the absence of these door frame components in the lifts concerned is a non-compliance, the lifts can still operate safely.
As the owner of the unsold units in the two aforementioned TPS estates, the HA is highly concerned about the incident. The HA is maintaining close contact with the EMSD to seriously follow up on the incident and pursue the liabilities of Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) Limited.
Among all TPS estates, only the lift replacement works in the two aforementioned estates were undertaken by this company. For another TPS estate, Fu Heng Estate, which is currently preparing for lift replacement, the contract has not yet been awarded. The HA has immediately and proactively advised the Incorporated Owners of Fu Heng Estate to suspend the award of the contract, and will provide all necessary support to the Incorporated Owners regarding the incident, including assisting them in studying the follow-up arrangements, to safeguard the overall interests and safety of all residents.
Source: AI-found images
EMSD's inspections reveal serious deficiencies in lift replacement works undertaken by registered lift contractor at two estates
In response to the recent allegations of non-compliance by Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) Limited (Taizoom), the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) takes the matter seriously and conducted surprise inspections on the lift works concerned. The inspections revealed serious deficiencies in lift replacement works carried out by Taizoom at two Tenants Purchase Scheme Estates, involving 9 lifts at Tsui Ping (North) Estate in Kwun Tong, of which the replacement was completed between February and July 2026, and 39 lifts at Pok Hong Estate in Sha Tin, of which the replacement was completed between May 2025 and July 2026. Regarding the fire resisting doorsets, including door frame components, although a fire resisting rating certificate was submitted, it was found that only the fire resisting doors were installed as required, but the corresponding door frame components were not installed, and the lift works were claimed to be completed.
The absence of these door frame components in the lifts concerned is a non-compliance, but the lifts can still operate safely. The EMSD has instructed Taizoom to review the lifts at the aforementioned estates and install the outstanding door frame components promptly, and bear all associated costs for the remedial measures. The repair works will commence shortly and are expected to be completed within a month. The EMSD will proactively contact the property management companies of the concerned estates to provide necessary assistance. The lifts will need to be suspended from operation during the installation of new door frames. The works will be scheduled during non-peak hours as far as possible, and it is anticipated that the installation for each lift will take around one to two days to complete. During the installation period, the EMSD will closely monitor the installation works and maintain close contact with the relevant property management companies. The EMSD will also urge Taizoom to ensure that all lift lobbies and building passages are free from obstruction during the installation works, implement appropriate fire safety measures, and minimise the impact on residents.
As preliminary evidence indicates that Taizoom is suspected of serious negligence or misconduct in carrying out lift works, the EMSD will take enforcement and regulatory actions in accordance with the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance.
Under the circumstances, the EMSD does not rule out the possibility of committing criminal offences involving fraud and the provision of false statements, and will refer the case to the Hong Kong Police Force for further investigation.
The EMSD will complete the inspection of all lifts installed by Taizoom throughout the territory within three days. The inspection includes re-examining the fire resisting rating certificates of fire resisting doorsets including their frame components, as well as checking if any door frame components are missing.
The EMSD has also commenced inspections of lift engineering works undertaken by other registered lift contractors, and no similar breaches have been found so far. As a precautionary measure, the EMSD will require other registered lift contractors to conduct similar inspections on the lifts they have installed and submit inspection reports to the EMSD. The EMSD will also conduct random checks, and all related work is expected to be completed within a month.
The EMSD has commenced a comprehensive review, encompassing the installation of new equipment and lift modernisation, inspection and maintenance works, evaluation of site supervision system, as well as the registration, regulation, and approval systems under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance. Furthermore, the EMSD will enhance its inspections and spot checks on all lifts to improve overall works quality, with the review expected to be completed within the year. If any issues with lift engineering quality or deficiencies in the site supervision and inspection system are identified, immediate follow-up and improvement actions will be taken, along with strengthened inspections and audits of lifts.
Source: AI-found images
