HD and ICAC join hands to promote clean public housing management
2002-5-10
The Housing Department (HD) and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) have jointly launched two Best Practices Packages for property services companies (PSCs) as part of their concerted efforts to promote clean public housing management.
At a seminar on ethical practices of PSCs jointly held by the two departments at HD's headquarters today (Friday), the ICAC introduced various corruption prevention measures to about 120 representatives from companies qualified to bid for HD’s management and maintenance services contracts.
Addressing the seminar, Acting Director of Housing, Mr Marco Wu Moon-hoi, said HD has since October 2000 outsourced estate management and maintenance contracts for 210,000 public rental housing units. Another 15 contracts will be awarded later this year.
"Given the large number of contract items and huge sums of money involved, the HD attaches great importance to the integrity of PSCs to ensure service quality," said Mr Wu.
He added that under a new scheme to be introduced this September, all 49 property services companies on the Housing Authority’s list will be required to formulate a code of conduct for their staff.
Welcoming the new initiative, ICAC's Director of Corruption Prevention, Mr Thomas Chan Chi-sun agrees that the measure will enhance staff awareness of company policy on corruption prevention.
He stressed that apart from prohibiting staff from accepting advantages and abusing their authority, companies should also restrict employees from accepting lavish entertainment that could become part of a sweetening process rendering the employees vulner able to corrupt practices.
To assist the HD in implementing the new scheme, the ICAC has earlier provided a sample code of conduct to these companies for reference and would offer them assistance in formulating or updating their codes.
Earlier this year, the ICAC had, at the invitation of the HD, studied the operation of PSCs and recommended a series of corruption prevention measures.
To further assist these companies to implement corruption prevention measures, the ICAC has produced two Best Practices Packages targeted specifically on the provision of maintenance services and estate management. The former advises on the selection of contractors in a fair and open manner while the latter focuses on staff conduct, procurement, contract administration and staff supervision.
In addition, ICAC's Community Relations Department will arrange training sessions for the staff of PSCs to enhance their understanding of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and conflict of interest issues.
Mr Chan believed that clean public housing management could bring a “win-win” situation for all. While corruption can be prevented and HD's service quality upheld, PSCs can also have their integrity protected and stay competitive.
At a seminar on ethical practices of PSCs jointly held by the two departments at HD's headquarters today (Friday), the ICAC introduced various corruption prevention measures to about 120 representatives from companies qualified to bid for HD’s management and maintenance services contracts.
Addressing the seminar, Acting Director of Housing, Mr Marco Wu Moon-hoi, said HD has since October 2000 outsourced estate management and maintenance contracts for 210,000 public rental housing units. Another 15 contracts will be awarded later this year.
"Given the large number of contract items and huge sums of money involved, the HD attaches great importance to the integrity of PSCs to ensure service quality," said Mr Wu.
He added that under a new scheme to be introduced this September, all 49 property services companies on the Housing Authority’s list will be required to formulate a code of conduct for their staff.
Welcoming the new initiative, ICAC's Director of Corruption Prevention, Mr Thomas Chan Chi-sun agrees that the measure will enhance staff awareness of company policy on corruption prevention.
He stressed that apart from prohibiting staff from accepting advantages and abusing their authority, companies should also restrict employees from accepting lavish entertainment that could become part of a sweetening process rendering the employees vulner able to corrupt practices.
To assist the HD in implementing the new scheme, the ICAC has earlier provided a sample code of conduct to these companies for reference and would offer them assistance in formulating or updating their codes.
Earlier this year, the ICAC had, at the invitation of the HD, studied the operation of PSCs and recommended a series of corruption prevention measures.
To further assist these companies to implement corruption prevention measures, the ICAC has produced two Best Practices Packages targeted specifically on the provision of maintenance services and estate management. The former advises on the selection of contractors in a fair and open manner while the latter focuses on staff conduct, procurement, contract administration and staff supervision.
In addition, ICAC's Community Relations Department will arrange training sessions for the staff of PSCs to enhance their understanding of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and conflict of interest issues.
Mr Chan believed that clean public housing management could bring a “win-win” situation for all. While corruption can be prevented and HD's service quality upheld, PSCs can also have their integrity protected and stay competitive.