The drainage system of all A07 flats in Hong Mei House, Cheung Hong Estate in Tsing Yi was generally found in order except for some minor defects identified after technical inspection by the Housing Department (HD) in the last three days.

     "The technical inspection team was led by Maintenance Surveyors and supported by experienced site supervisory staff," a spokesman for the HD said today (February 14).

     The inspection findings showed that among 34 units of A07, 25 units had proper vent pipe connection while the other nine units had disconnected the vent pipes.

     "Our technical team has taken immediate actions to rectify the minor defects identified and reconnect or seal up those disconnected vent pipes properly," the spokesman said.

     The spokesman urged the Public Rental Housing residents not to alter the drainage system and vent pipes without HD's prior approval as this may contravene the Buildings Ordinance and/or tenancy agreement. HD will take follow-up actions as appropriate against such unauthorized alterations by tenants.

     "We have placed notices at our housing estates advising the residents to pay attention to household environmental hygiene. They are reminded to properly maintain drainage pipes and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps). After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs," the spokesman stressed.

     If tenants have any questions about the vent pipes in their toilets or the drainage outlets, they should contact their respective Estate Management Office.

     He noted that under the Total Maintenance Scheme (TMS) which includes drainage inspection, public housing estates of 10 years to 30 years old will undergo proactive in-flat inspection every 10 years, while housing blocks older than 30 years will be inspected every 5 years.

     "During the TMS inspection, individual households will be surveyed on their flat conditions including the drainage system. When minor defects are found, they will be fixed on the spot. For more complicated items, our inspection team will issue works order and arrange prompt rectification. The quality of works will be monitored by quality audits and proactive and regular supervision," the spokesman added.

Ends/Friday, February 14, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:58

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