Authorities say they will hold contractor, related parties accountable for construction flaws at sites in Siu Lam, Tuen Mun and Chai Wan

Hong Kong authorities have set up an independent team to investigate irregularities with materials used in the installation of prefabricated units at three light public housing sites, warning that they will hold the contractor and other relevant parties accountable.

The Architectural Services Department warned on Monday it would take regulatory action against the contractor and related parties responsible for flawed modular integrated construction (MiC) units found in Siu Lam, Tuen Mun and Chai Wan.

Authorities revealed that 6 per cent of bolts were cut, while 20 per cent of the connection plates that the bolts were attached to were enlarged without permission.

But Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin emphasised that the light public housing projects remained safe despite the irregularities, noting no water leakage or deformation was found after Super Typhoon Rasaga struck the city last month.