Trial rectification works for public rental housing units with excessive lead in water will start this month, the Housing Authority announced today.
The trial will start at Kwai Yuet House in Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate Phase 1 on October 17.
To rectify the problem of excessive lead in water, the authority has asked contractors to replace the non-compliant water pipes in the 11 affected estates.
Replacement of water pipes in the common areas started in March, and so far half of the works have been completed.
Works inside the flats involve complex technical issues as the furnishings and pipe routings vary, hence contractors need to conduct trial works first.
A detailed work plan and timetable for rectifying the remaining affected flats will be drawn up after the trial.
The authority called for tenants’ tolerance and understanding during the rectification works which will inevitably cause inconvenience. It will ask the contractor to minimise the nuisance caused as far as practicable.
Meanwhile, the International Expert Panel set up in June by the Development Bureau to follow up the matter has convened three meetings so far to discuss how to improve drinking water safety in Hong Kong.
On the establishment of suitable drinking water standards and water sampling protocols, the Water Supplies Department has engaged the Water Research Centre, an expert consultant from the UK, to do a review and give advice based on the situation in Hong Kong.
The department has also engaged an expert consultant from Australia to provide advice on how to enhance the Water Safety Plan.
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