Public estate residents voice out pipe fears

More than 120 public estate residents in Fan Ling are worried about their sewage system and have urged the Housing Authority to fix it.

This came after three relatives of an infected woman living in public housing estate Hong Mei House in Tsing Yi had been confirmed with Covid-19 and almost 200 residents from 34 units in the building had to be evacuated and quarantined.

Experts worry that the virus might have spread through pipes connecting the units as the preliminary investigation found that the toilet of the woman's unit had been altered and the vent pipe connecting the toilet bowl was not completely sealed.

It is suspected that waste gas carrying the virus may have leaked into other units through the vent pipe.

North District councillor Chan Yuk-ming of Democratic Party said he had received inquiries from more than 120 residents in Cheung Wah Estate about their sewage system.

After inspection, at least 10 households said the vent pipe of their toilets were cut off when they bought the premises as the contractor from the Housing Authority told them the vent pipe was "useless."

Other residents said the authority did not help them change their pipes and were worried that the pipes could spread the virus.

Apart from Y2 type public housing like Hong Mei House, Chan said H type public housing like Cheung Wah Estate also faced similar risks. He said the government must explain any risks to the people living in other types of public housing.

A resident of Cheung Shun House for over 30 years, Ms Chan, said the contractor had removed the vent pipe when she moved in. "They only sealed it with paper towels and mud," she said.

Meanwhile, Kenny Tse Chi-kin, former head of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors' building surveying division, said not every renovation worker had sufficient pipe design expertise, leading to modification issues.

Speaking on radio, Tse said modifications in the drainage systems of many units were substandard.

He said the vent pipe will fail to function if it has been cut and the virus could spread into the room. Tse added that the drainage systems for subdivided units were subpar and could increase health risks.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com