Ms Linn visited the manufacturing bases of CIMC Modular Building Systems Holdings Co Ltd and China State Construction Hailong Technology Company Limited in Jiangmen and Zhuhai respectively. Both manufacturers have participated in the construction of MiC projects in Hong Kong, including the Multi-welfare Services Complex in Kwu Tung North, the Public Housing Development at Anderson Road and the Student Hostel of City University of Hong Kong at Whitehead.
During the visit, the manufacturers demonstrated to Ms Linn the modules adopted in various MiC projects and briefed her on the use of automated production lines in the factory to enhance production quality, accuracy and efficiency, and the adoption of an information management platform to coordinate the processes of procurement, manufacturing, storage and delivery of modules. The manufacturers said that the overall project cost using MiC is lower than that of traditional construction methods, and that the transfer of traditional construction processes to a factory environment is also better than traditional construction methods in terms of productivity, quality management, environmental performance and occupational safety.
Ms Linn said that the Government has been actively promoting a wider adoption of MiC in the industry to reduce construction time and address issues such as the ageing of construction workers, high construction costs and site safety. The Development Bureau has established a cross-departmental steering committee to co-ordinate the development of high productivity construction methods such as MiC and streamline related approval procedures to remove barriers for the industry, with an aim to formulate measures to strengthen the supply chain and quality accreditation of MiC modules in this financial year, including the provision of manufacturing and storage sites in the Northern Metropolis, and fostering collaboration with the Greater Bay Area, with a view to expediting housing supply and strengthening the leading position of Hong Kong's construction industry in the adoption of MiC in the region.
The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau; the Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam; and the Head of the Project Strategy and Governance Office, Mr John Kwong, also joined the visit.
The delegation returned to Hong Kong this evening.
Ends/Monday, April 24, 2023
Issued at HKT 21:52
