In recent years, the systems of building control in many countries
were reviewed or reformed. In the revamp processes, greater involvement of the
private sector in the building approval exercise was frequently proposed although
the duties to ensure the safety standard of building works have long been assumed
by the governments. Hong Kong also followed this trend, and a minor works
control regime (MCWR) was proposed in 2003 with an aim for streamlining the
building proposal approval exercise. Under the proposed regime, private sector
practitioners are allowed to certify certain types of small-scale building works.
Despite the local government claim that the proposed MCWR could improve the
overall building quality in the city, effectiveness of the new system is highly
doubtful. This article aims to critically evaluate the proposed private certifi cation
initiative. Although new system may be able to speed up the process of building
proposal approval, incentives for the citizens to engage in the new process seem
not to be installed. Whether there exists a critical mass of qualifi ed professionals
in the private sector who are willing to validate existing unauthorized building
works is also questionable. More importantly, the subsidiary revalidation scheme
under the proposed control regime blurs the boundary between legal and illegal
building works.