Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) held a RenoSafe Scheme seminar on August 7 and 14 to invite participants of the "AP Easy" Scheme, which was organised by Home Affairs Department (HAD) to help homeowners choose an authorised person for their building renovation projects, to join the RenoSafe Scheme.

 

Designed to help homeowners carry out building renovation projects, the RenoSafe Scheme is jointly implemented by local anti-triad units, Urban Renewal Authority, Hong Kong Housing Society, Buildings Department, ICAC and HAD. Since its launch in September last year, more than 700 Owners' Corporations have joined the scheme by July.

 

In the seminar, OCTB Superintendent (SP) Yau Nai-keung appealed to the audience to join the RenoSafe Scheme so as to maintain a strong partnership with the police and remain vigilant against crimes related to building renovation. Following SP Yau's speech, Senior Inspector (SIP) Ma Chi-chung and SIP Lau Kai-pang from the Regional Anti-triad Units of Kowloon West and Hong Kong Island respectively, introduced the scheme and cited the successful cases in which Owners' Corporations, after joining the scheme, had their exorbitant renovation prices slashed or dismissed unsatisfactory contractors. 

 

Besides the Force speakers, representatives from the participating departments and organisations also introduced useful practices, government subsidy schemes and experiences of building renovation. 

 

During a question-and-answer session, the audience raised many questions and expressed their views. The seminar offered them an interactive platform to seek advice and exchange experiences of building renovation. It is hoped they would be more capable of tackling tender rigging, triad involvement or other malpractices when they carry out building renovation projects. Before conclusion of the seminar, the audience signed agreement forms to join the RenoSafe Scheme.