During the hot summer months, many people rely on air conditioning for cooling, but water dripping issues can also arise. According to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), complaints about air conditioner water dripping have been on the rise in recent years, increasing from about 31,000 cases in 2023 to around 34,000 last year. Areas like Sham Shui Po and Yau Tsim Mong are particularly hard-hit. As of mid-July this year, the authorities have issued approximately 700 disturbance notices related to air conditioner water dripping incidents, requiring citizens to address the issues within the specified time frame. The FEHD stated that enforcement actions will be carried out across the city from May to September, focusing on certain buildings and enhancing inspections.
Yau Tsim Mong District Councilor Ann Au pointed out that many buildings and facilities in the area are aging, with a lack of unified drainage systems for air conditioners, leading to direct discharge of waste water. Additionally, the high density of subdivided flats and guesthouses in the area results in many illegal modifications or reconstructions, making it difficult to identify the sources of dripping.
The FEHD is cracking down on illegal practices that allow air conditioners to drip water. Assistant Director (Operations) Wan Chi-shun stated that 30 black spots for air conditioner water dripping have been identified across the city. Personnel will target these spots at least once a week at different times of the day. Extra manpower will be deployed in areas with higher concentrations of black spots, such as Sham Shui Po, Mong Kok, and Yau Tsim Mong.
The department has recently introduced new technology, using infrared night vision cameras to assist teams in tracing the sources of dripping water at night. Currently, all 19 districts in the city are equipped with this device, capable of observing dripping sources up to 20 stories high, with a newly introduced second-generation device extending the observation distance to 40 stories.
Regarding private estates, the FEHD has implemented a plan for property management companies to assist in handling air conditioner water dripping incidents, inviting these companies to help resolve complaints during the summer. If the property management companies fail to address the complaints, the FEHD will intervene. Over the past five years, an average of more than 80 property management companies and over 200 private estates have participated in the program, successfully resolving over 4,000 complaints through this initiative.
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