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The scandal surrounding the Sha Tin-Central rail link at Hung Hom station was investigated at a commission of inquiry. Photo: Nora Tam
Opinion
Editorial
by SCMP Editorial
Editorial
by SCMP Editorial

Public confidence still needs to be restored after MTR scandal

  • Commission of inquiry may have ruled that Sha Tin-Central link will be safe to use, but the railway giant has to be held accountable and punished along with the contractor responsible for shoddy works
SCMP Editorial
SCMP Editorial
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There was never any doubt the MTR Corporation and the government had done a bad job in the Sha Tin-Central rail project. What we desperately needed to know was whether the shoddy works unearthed two years ago would compromise the safety of the HK$90.7 billion rail link under construction. After 22 months of investigations and deliberations, a commission of inquiry that cost taxpayers HK$92 million has finally come to a conclusion. While declaring the railway as structurally safe, the panel also highlighted a series of management woes that warrants punishment and reform.

The calls for transport minister Frank Chan Fan to take responsibility for the saga and resign underlines people’s anger. There was no shortage of examples in which officials embroiled in policy mishaps just walked away without punishment. Although the MTR Corp and Leighton Contractors (Asia) bear the brunt of criticism for the “serious deficiencies in their management and supervision systems”, the government is also heavily criticised in the 332-page report.
It remains to be seen whether the apologies from Chan and MTR chief executive officer Jacob Kam Chak-pui can head off the political pressure for accountability. The report has set the stage for further action and reform, without which the episode cannot be laid to rest out of fear problems will return. On Thursday, a subcontractor filed a writ for a judicial review.

MTR, contractor slammed for ‘serious deficiencies’ as probe into rail line wraps

The idea of a dedicated railway department as the way forward is open to debate. The monitoring of new railway projects is currently handled by the Highways Department, which also oversees road construction. The department was criticised for being unable to detect failings in a timely manner and take firm action. Unless there is a change in management culture and stronger oversight, a new department may well be just old wine in a new bottle.

Separately, almost two years have passed since the scandal came to light and the public still awaits the outcome of criminal investigations. Meanwhile, many follow-up actions have been suggested, including pressing the rail giant to return part of the HK$7.9 billion management fee and to bar the contractor in question from taking government projects for a decade. When it comes to accountability, they seem a good starting point.

Only time will tell whether the works are really safe. While it is necessary for the government and MTR Corp to get on with outstanding construction work, there must also be appropriate punishment and an overhaul in management and oversight. Only then can public confidence in railway development be restored and this sorry chapter brought to a close.

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This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Public confidence still needs to be restored after MTR scandal
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