The Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance mandates upgrades to buildings built before 1987, including mixed-use and residential blocks. While the amendment aims to enhance safety and will likely pass, it remains insufficient to increase compliance.
The New Lucky House fire highlights the challenges faced by old buildings. The 300 residents included a diverse group, many of whom were financially vulnerable Hong Kong residents. The amendment does not address their economic struggles or the tensions among stakeholders, which hinder fire safety improvements.
The high costs of upgrading old buildings, estimated at HK$30 million for New Lucky House, pose a significant barrier. Enforcement of fire safety laws without addressing these concerns could cause severe stress for residents. As New Lucky House represents just one of numerous old buildings in Hong Kong, the negative consequences could affect hundreds of thousands of people.
The government must balance fire safety enforcement with mitigating negative impacts. Integrating fire safety into the housing strategy and addressing businesses operating in non-compliant buildings are crucial steps. While the amendment grants the government authority to save lives, a thorough understanding of the situation is necessary to avoid unintended consequences.
