(香港，2023年11月27日) 香港工程師學會 (「學會」) 今日發表聲明，表示全力支持訂立建造業付款保障條例草案及引入審裁機制，以解決建造業長期以來面臨的拖欠付款問題，在保障工程中承建商、分包商等各方權益的同時，保障工程進度和質量水平。擬議的建造業付款保障條例涵蓋所有政府工程和部份達到指定金額的私營界別工程。
拖欠付款問題一直困擾建造業的各個參與者，從業員生計受影響的情況下，難免對維持工程進度和質量造成壓力。為解決這一長期存在的問題，學會多年來一直支持政府就推動建造業付款保障條例的工作，並引入審裁機制提供申索途徑，由獨立審裁員處理拖欠付款爭議，務求工程從業員能按時收到應得款項，從而提高行業的信譽和效率；而假如申索人未能在限期内收到款項，亦有權利選擇暫停工作，以迫使付款方履行其付款義務。
會長李志康博士、工程師表示：「建造業付款保障條例草案和引入審裁機制是行業發展的重要一步，不僅能保護相關工程人員的權益，更能推動行業良性發展。我們歡迎政府和相關持份者攜手合作，確保這一重要法案的順利通過和執行。」
同時，學會呼籲所有各方共同努力，為建造業創造一個公平、穩定的營商環境，促進行業的可持續發展，同時確保工程項目能夠按時完成，提高質量和安全水平。
如欲垂詢，請與香港工程師學會傳訊統籌部聯絡。
電話：2895 4446
傳真：2882 6825
(Hong Kong, 27 November 2023) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (“HKIE”) expresses its full support for the enactment of the proposed Security of Payment Legislation for the Construction Industry (“SOPL”) and the introduction of an adjudication mechanism to address the long-standing issue of payment delays in the construction industry. While safeguarding the rights and interests of parties involved in construction projects such as contractors and subcontractors, this legislation will also help ensure the progress and quality of construction projects. The proposed SOPL covers contracts of all Government works and part of the private sector projects up to specified contract values.
Payment delays have been a persistent issue affecting various stakeholders in the construction industry, exerting pressure on project timelines and quality, and impacting the livelihoods of industry workers. To address this long-standing problem, the HKIE has consistently worked with and supported the Government’s efforts in promoting the proposed SOPL and introducing an adjudication mechanism to provide a means for claims, where independent adjudicators will handle disputes over payments. This ensures that construction workers receive their rightful payments on time and enhances the industry’s reputation and efficiency. In the event that claimants do not receive payments within the prescribed period, they also have the right to choose to suspend work to compel the paying party to fulfill its payment obligations.
President Ir Dr Barry Lee stated, “The proposed SOPL and the introduction of an adjudication mechanism are crucial steps for the development of the industry. They not only protect the rights of relevant engineering professionals but also promote the sound development of the industry. We welcome the Government and relevant stakeholders to collaborate to ensure the smooth passage and implementation of this important legislation.”
The HKIE also calls on all parties to work together to create a fair and stable business environment for the construction industry, fostering sustainable development while ensuring timely completion of projects and improving quality and safety standards.
For media enquiries, please contact:
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers
Corporate Communications Section
Tel: 2895 4446 / Fax: 2882 6825
Email: corpcom@hkie.org.hk