Under the improved measures that are set to take effect by the middle of the year, homeowners suspected as the source of a leak have 28 days to carry out repairs after a notification letter is issued following inspections by the Joint Office for Investigation of Water Seepage Complaints that is formed by the food and environmental hygiene and buildings departments.
Those failing to do so have to shoulder a fee of at least HK$17,000 for government staff to carry out comprehensive and professional tests.
Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Deputy Director of Buildings Pelene Ng noted the list of inspection and repair practitioners who are interested to take up relevant projects will make it simpler for flat owners to look for trained personnel.
“Initially, the list will make it easier for people to look for one. In the long run, if the public begins using the list and offers us feedback, it could eventually turn into a white list. For instance, if a worker successfully completes the task and locates the source of the water seepage,” she said.
“We may save the information and publish a white list later. But for now, there will only be workers who are interested in undertaking the project.”
She went on to say that indicated prices will also be included on the list, so that homeowners can tell whether they are being charged within the normal range or not.
Meanwhile, she said that officials have also expedited the approval process for loan scheme offers to homeowners for tackling water seepages.
It will take applicants around five days to know if they are given preliminary approval, and they will receive the money within two weeks after signing the relevant documents, Ng added.
As for the 28-day period, the deputy director said the time frame is reasonable, as water seepages from pipe leaks usually take up to two weeks to fix, while more complicated issues such as replacing a waterproof layer take around four weeks.
Homeowners who need more time after commencing the repair work can talk to the joint office, she added.
Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene Donald Ng told the same programme that the joint office received around 46,000 complaints last year, adding that the figure has been on the rise in recent years.
