The Government today held an inter-departmental press conference to outline details of its work in relation to lead in drinking water samples from Kai Ching Estate.
Secretary for Transport & Housing Prof Anthony Cheung said the Government attached great importance to the issue and is striving to resolve the matter as quickly as possible, while containing the health risk and following up on suspected infringement of the law by the licensed plumber concerned.
Secretary for Development Paul Chan meanwhile, noted that the Water Supplies Department will conduct a thorough investigation and follow up on the matter seriously. He added that it will work closely with the Housing Department to provide the necessary assistance to tenants and minimise the inconvenience caused to them.
The Water Supplies Department has set up two temporary water supply points at Kai Ching Estate and is arranging the laying of a temporary water pipe to the ground floor of each block to facilitate the collection of water by residents. The laying works are expected to be complete in two or three days.
Detailing the test results from the last batch of 36 water samples, Director of Housing Stanley Ying said that 35 were from residential flats and one was from a facility in the estate’s common area. Three samples that were all taken from residential flats, exceeded World Health Organisation standards with readings at 10.8, 11.6 and 35.1.
The Housing Department is contacting the household tenants to inform them of the results.
Director of Water Supplies Enoch Lam added that the department will consult the Department of Justice on whether criminal prosecution or disciplinary action against the licensed plumber concerned should be taken.
It will also follow up on water works projects recently completed by the licensed plumber in four other housing estates: Lung Yat Estate in Tuen Mun, Cheung Sha Wan Estate, Shui Chuen O Estate in Sha Tin and Kwai Luen Estate in Kwai Shing Circuit. Water samples and soldering materials from these estates will be taken for lead level tests.
