Audit flags major delays and cost issues in govt-funded youth hostel scheme
發佈日期: 2026-04-29 20:09
TVB News
The Audit Commission's audit report has found that only about half of the planned units in government-funded youth hostels have gone into service.
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak says after the government sought to recover costs of some abnormally expensive fixtures, the relevant operator has agreed to refund expenses on some unused equipment.
Launched in 2012, the Youth Hostel Scheme subsidises non-governmental organisations to provide rental accommodation for employed young people aged 18 to 30 at around 60 percent of market rates.
However, the latest audit flags major delays -- 3,000 hostel units were originally scheduled for completion in the first phase last year.
Only 1,326 units have been delivered.
One project in Sheung Wan, initially slated for completion in 2016, took eight years to complete pre-construction procedures, involving the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the NGO operator.
The project is expected to open next year -- amounting to an 11-year delay.
Also came to light are the exorbitant procurement costs for furniture and equipment.
A hostel in Tai Po procured 78 bathroom heater fans.
Including delivery and installation, each heater costs 9,400 dollars.
Auditors found the same model is priced at just 1,900 dollars in the market.
In response, the hostel operator says the higher cost reflects requirements for specially qualified installation workers, insurance expenses and a tight 21-day deadline for supply and installation.
It also cited logistical disruption owing to social unrest and the pandemic at the time.
Pricing issues for other items also attracted attention.
Toilet paper holders and soap dispenser racks cost 3,390 and 2,390 dollars apiece.
Around 110 sets were purchased at a total cost of nearly 370,000 dollars.
The fixtures were never installed because of safety and design issues.
The Audit Commission proposed 25 suggestions to better monitor operators' performance and strengthen oversight to ensure timely completion.
The bureau has accepted the recommendations.
