The following press release is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     In line with the Government's earlier announcement about inspecting the drainage pipes on external walls for target private residential and composite buildings in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) will proactively inspect the communal drainage pipes of all its public rental housing (PRH), including the communal drainage pipes inside some of the rental units.
 
     "Under the epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many members of the public are very concerned about the conditions of the drainage system in their buildings. As a preventive measure, the HA will launch a programme to proactively inspect the communal drainage pipes of its PRH (including communal drainage pipes inside some of the rental units)," a spokesman for the HA said today (May 15).
 
     "We are drawing up the detailed work plan, including the timetable of implementation, the order of inspection to estates and the mode of inspection, etc. The HA will expedite the implementation of the programme and make an announcement when the details are confirmed."
 
     The spokesman said that the HA will increase manpower resources and give priority to estates with confirmed COVID-19 cases. The HA will deploy staff to inspect communal drainage pipes at these estates.  The communal pipes inside the tenants' units (if applicable) will be checked where feasible, and arrangements for appropriate repairs will be made for them when necessary."
 
     Under the "Responsive In-flat Maintenance Service", the HA provides in-flat maintenance and repair works for its rental units. If tenants have any questions about the current condition of their drainage pipe works, they can contact the respective estate management office to follow up.

Ends/Friday, May 15, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:47

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