HKFP Lens: The Timeless Art of Bamboo Scaffolding in Hong Kong, Set to Disappear After Centuries

Among the final few urban areas still employing traditional bamboo scaffolding for contemporary building and upkeep tasks is Hong Kong.

Tall buildings throughout Hong Kong frequently appear surrounded by bamboo scaffolding, secured with nylon ties.

Expert scaffold erectors – often referred to as "spiders" – secure the poles, forming platforms.

However, these scenes might become rarer. as the administration aims to gradually eliminate The age-old method of replacing the material with metal frames has been used for centuries.

Bamboo, being lightweight, has been preferred due to its rapid build time and easy accessibility, and it boasts a higher tensile strength compared to steel.

On Monday, though, the Development Bureau stated their intention to "gradually promote a broader use of metal scaffolding in public construction projects" with the aim of enhancing safety. They justified this move by referring to the flammability of bamboo and its propensity to degrade over time.

Since 2018, there have been 23 fatalities associated with bamboo scaffolding, as reported. AFP , according to official statistics – primarily related to falls from heights, fires, or structural collapses. Equivalent information regarding metal scaffolding could not be readily obtained.

Recently, the sector has encountered a lack of workers and building supplies.

In January, the Hong Kong and Kowloon Bamboo Scaffolding Workers Union stated their opposition to the retirement of bamboo scaffolds. RTHK They stated that accidents typically occurred due to inadequate site safety management rather than issues with the scaffolding.

Ho Ping-tak from the union stated that 80 percent of work sites continue to utilize bamboo, and banning it could impact approximately 4,000 specialized employees.