Hong Kong officials threaten legal action against contractors over defective hospital elevators
Hong Kong's development minister said the government will hold contractors accountable for faulty lift installations at Queen Mary Hospital's new block. The main contractor and subcontractor have been suspended from public tenders. The defects have delayed the hospital's full operation by up to a year, and the government aims to avoid extra public spending.
Development minister Bernadette Linn confirmed that the primary contractor, a Paul Y-Able joint venture, and lift subcontractor Anlev Elex Elevator must cover all corrective expenses. Both firms have already been barred from bidding on public works projects since last month.
The faulty installation left 24 of 28 lifts in the HK$13.5 billion facility unusable, delaying full commissioning by up to a year. Medical departments have not yet moved in, although the blood bank and restaurants are currently operational.
This dispute could affect Hong Kong's public healthcare capacity, as the delayed opening may prolong existing pressures on Queen Mary Hospital's other facilities. Taxpayers may benefit from the government's stance, since holding contractors accountable could prevent additional public spending. For the construction industry, the suspension and potential legal claims may serve as a deterrent, encouraging stricter quality control in future infrastructure projects.