The Provisional Construction Industry Co-ordination Board (PCICB) issued two consultation documents to seek industry feedback on the legal framework of the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the operational framework of the voluntary subcontractor registration scheme.
According to a PCICB spokesman, the CIC will be responsible for taking forward the massive change programme mapped out by the Construction Industry Review Committee (CIRC) and for spearheading reform initiatives aimed at achieving continuous quality improvement and enhanced competitiveness.
"The legal framework lays down a clear set of parameters for this central body such as its functions, general powers, composition, committee structure and reporting mechanism.
"The setting up of a voluntary subcontractor registration scheme administered by the industry itself also features prominently among the recommendations made by the CIRC. It aims to build up progressively a pool of subcontractors with specialised skills and strong professional ethics through systematic capability assessment and performance tracking," he said.
A phased approach will be adopted in implementing the scheme, starting with the Primary Register involving relatively accommodating entry requirements in mid-2003, followed at a later stage by the Premier Register embodying more stringent screening criteria and grading on the capability and specialty of individual subcontractors.
"These two consultation documents crystallise the outcome of careful deliberations and in-depth discussions over the past 12 months by the PCICB in fulfilling its mission to improve the quality of construction in Hong Kong," the spokesman said.
The period for consultation will be open until January 30, 2003. All interested parties may obtain the relevant documents and provide their feedback through the PCICB website at http://www.pcicb.gov.hk/, or via the PCICB Secretariat at Room 2100, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong. (fax: 2189 7990, e-mail- enquiry@pcicb.gov.hk)
End/Thursday, January 2, 2003
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