Ombudsman to probe waters seepage office over inefficiency and delayed action

The Office of The Ombudsman has launched a full investigation into how the Joint Office for Investigation of Water Seepage Complaints (JO) handles reports of water seepage in buildings, amid growing concerns about delays and ineffective enforcement.

The probe follows a complaint involving a case in which unauthorised building works (UBWs) on the flat roof of an upper-floor unit allegedly caused persistent water seepage in the flat below.

Despite the Buildings Department (BD) issuing a demolition order more than a year ago, the unauthorised structure has not yet been removed, and the seepage problem remains unresolved.

According to the Ombudsman, the investigation will examine whether the BD’s procedures for handling UBWs linked to seepage are adequate and if there is room for improvement.

Ombudsman Jack Chan Jick-chi said the inquiry would take a close look at the coordination between departments involved in seepage complaints and assess whether current procedures are effective in addressing long-standing cases.

Chan said his office will carefully review the Buildings Department’s investigation procedures for UBWs that cause water seepage, explore possible areas for improvement, and make appropriate recommendations.

The government watchdog also expressed concern over the overall efficiency of the JO’s operations. It plans to conduct a series of in-depth reviews to evaluate the office’s investigation processes, effectiveness, and supervision of its consultants, who are often hired to conduct technical inspections.

Members of the public are invited to submit written views or suggestions to the Ombudsman’s Office by November 27.

According to government figures, the JO has received a rising number of water seepage complaints in recent years — 39,555 cases in 2022, 45,033 in 2023, and 47,299 in 2024.

The investigation comes amid ongoing public frustration over water seepage disputes, which often drag on for years due to difficulties in identifying the source of leaks and the complex division of responsibilities between the Buildings Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, which jointly run the JO.