1997 — Page 20

e 20 of 654

Page 20 20 of 654

20

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

install collector pipes for air-conditioners, to solve the problem of water- dripping from air-conditioners.”

He said (in Cantonese):-The subject of my motion today is discussion on a problem which has been bothering a lot of people in Hong Kong, i.e. the problem of water dripping from air conditioners.

I remember that in the Council's October meeting last year, I asked the Department about water dripping from air conditioners. According to information supplied by the Department, in the last 5 years, there were 17 512 complaints, or on average 3 500 complaints per year. The problem is very serious in areas with a lot of old buildings, like Eastern District on Hong Kong Island in which 5 000 complaints were received in three years. One can see that it is causing serious nuisance to residents. Handling of complaints are rather complex and everything depends on whether residents are cooperative. A very simple, smooth case would take more than 20 days to process. Whenever households complained against are uncooperative, the Department would have to check with the Land Registry the ownership of the unit concerned before issuing a notice for removal of objects that affect hygiene. The investigation then takes a certain period and several months pass easily. As such, when a problem is finally solved, Summer is already over. In fact, we often have to face the criticism that 'the best solution is to wait till Summer is over'. When people no longer switch on their air conditioners, no more water will drip from them.

In fact, it takes a lot of manpower and resources to process a complaint against water dripping from the air conditioner. It is a big burden for the Urban Services Department. Prevention is better than cure. If nuisance caused by dripping air conditioners is to be reduced, the Urban Services Department should actively carry out publicity on hygiene education. On one hand, it makes the public concerned about hygiene problems caused by dripping air conditioners. On the other, it reminds the public that prosecutions under the law may lead to penalties. A publicity campaign will make members of the public get on full alert and thereby reduce dripping. Maybe we should carry out publicity work in areas reported serious first. Efforts can be directed at advising the public to reduce nuisance caused by their dripping air conditioners. At the same time, the Department can consider making areas reported serious test points. Inspections at such points should be stepped up. Problematic units should be actively identified and prosecuted for a deterrent effect. Investigation procedures should be improved 100. The Department should consider establishing computer link with the Land Registry so as to identify problematic units more easily and quickly in the hope of quickening the investigation process. Better efficiency in giving advice and serving prosecutions should speed up solving the problem of dripping air conditioners in Summer.

of 654

Page 20Page 21

Page 21 of 654