The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups has repaid the government for bathroom equipment at its Tai Po youth hostel that was unused or needed replacement, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau says. The repayment follows an Audit Commission report published in April that raised concerns about the cost of furniture and equipment bought for the hostel.
HK01 reported that 76 toilet-paper holders cost HK$3,390 each, or HK$258,000 in total, and were replaced with substitutes because they were difficult to use. Forty-six soap-dispenser holders cost HK$2,390 each, totalling HK$110,000, and were replaced over safety concerns. Of 152 handrails or towel bars bought for HK$1,890 each, only one was installed; another was kept as a spare, also because of safety concerns.
The 78 bathroom heaters were reported to cost about HK$730,000 including installation and transport; the Audit Commission’s April report put their purchase and installation cost at more than HK$900,000, according to Ming Pao.
The bureau said it had met the operator to follow up on the procurement. The operator promised a thorough review of its internal procurement procedures and guidance.
For future government-funded youth-hostel projects, the bureau says it has updated guidance for funded non-governmental organisations. They must record why they drew up a shortlist for restricted tenders, itemise equipment and related costs, and conduct market research. Recommended bids must be compared with pre-tender estimates and similar past contracts; applicable government logistics procurement guidance must also be incorporated into their internal rules.
It has also tightened its scrutiny of procurement submissions, checking whether proposed purchases comply with requirements and are reasonable, and whether the furniture and equipment are practical, environmentally friendly and not ostentatious.