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The following is issued on behalf of the Houisng Authority:
Fresh water pipes for Harmony-type public rental housing (PRH) blocks completed after 1996 are all lined with galvanized steel or copper pipes without any plastic sheathing, the Assistant Director of Housing (Estate Management), Mr Wong Bay, said today (April 8).
"This is in line with new fire safety requirements introduced in 1996," Mr Wong said, in response to press enquiries on plastic sheathing for fresh water copper pipes.
Under an on-going "Re-plumbing Programme" introduced at the end of last year for Harmony blocks including Shek Lei Estate, Tai Wo Hau Estate and Sau Mau Ping Estate, galvanized steel pipes are to be replaced with copper pipes without any protective plastic sheathing.
"In response to tenants demand for protective plastic sheathing to address the condensation problem and to improve the appearance, the department sought the advice of the Fire Services Department," Mr Wong said.
"The Fire Services Department ruled out plastic sheathing for copper pipes at fire protected corridors," he added.
Referring to cases of copper pipes protected by plastic sheathing at other PRH block types completed before 1996, Mr Wong said the pipes were located at non-fire protected corridors which met the new requirements.
"However, as a caring landlord, the Housing Department will carry out inspections and follow-up action will be taken with the Fire Services Department if necessary," Mr Wong said.
Ends/Saturday, April 8, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:45
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