Hong Kong authorities have attributed a controversy involving the installation of prefabricated units of three light public housing projects to improper assembly, while a structural engineer insists it is more likely due to manufacturing flaws.

Director of Architectural Services Michael Li Kiu-yin also said on Tuesday that the government must dismantle several Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) units to investigate why workers had assembled them improperly.

“The structures near the core wall must be removed and the screws taken out to accurately assess the situation, which will essentially require a full reassembly,” he said.

He added that the MiC modules were all factory-made, with their “dimensions verified and certified before being sent out.

“When they arrive, the contractor should have the necessary experience and technical expertise to position them correctly and everything must be checked to ensure the entire component complies with the drawings.”

On Monday, authorities said that irregularities were discovered across the three light public housing projects in Siu Lam, Tuen Mun and Chai Wan – all managed by contractor Able and Chun Wo Joint Venture – after an inspection by the Architectural Services Department.