Task force shaves HK$13 billion off Hong Kong government’s bill for public works
Set up last June, the Project Cost Management Office has reviewed cost estimates for over 60 projects worth HK$170 billion in total
A cost saving task force set up by the Development Bureau has cut about HK$13 billion from the bill for public works projects in just over a year, the government revealed on Wednesday.
In a written response to a question by lawmaker Paul Tse Wai-chun, Development Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun said the Project Cost Management Office (PCMO) has reviewed the cost estimates of over 60 projects amounting to HK$170 billion and managed to save the administration 7 to 8 per cent, or about HK$13 billion.
The unit was set up in June 2016 by current Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po when he was development secretary. Its task was to try to prevent cost overruns in public works projects, and it has since looked at the construction of government offices, staff quarters, hospitals, schools, parks, roadworks, waterworks and drainage works.
“The challenge of high construction costs has beset Hong Kong for many years. The government is determined to strengthen the cost management of public works projects,” Wong said.
He said the PCMO’s cost management measures include leading and coordinating the bureaus and works departments.
