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FEHD steps up publicity, education work and enforcement efforts on issue of dripping air conditioners (with photos)
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     A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (May 3) that, with summer approaching and the ensuing environmental hygiene nuisances caused by dripping air conditioners, the FEHD has stepped up publicity and education work since last Friday (April 26) to remind members of the public to handle the issue of dripping air conditioners properly. The FEHD has launched a pilot enforcement operation codenamed "CLEARSKY" from May to October across various districts to enhance its efforts in tackling irregularities of dripping air conditioners in private buildings. This initiative aims to effectively mitigate the nuisance caused by relevant issues to the public, while also enhancing environmental hygiene and the cityscape.

     Over the past week (April 26 to May 2), FEHD staff has carried out publicity and education work over the territory, such as distributing promotional leaflets with property management agents and local community members, as well as displaying posters and banners. These efforts aim to raise public awareness and foster a sense of responsibility regarding dripping air conditioners, reminding the public to take preventive measures to mitigate the nuisance proactively. During the period, about 14 000 leaflets and posters on dripping air conditioners were distributed, among which 490 buildings and housing estates were involved. The department will continue to utilise various channels and means to disseminate relevant messages to members of the public, such as Announcements in the Public Interest on TV and radio, advertisements on public transport, dissemination of information on online platforms and launch of a thematic webpage.

     The spokesperson said, "Drawing from experience in handling related complaints, the FEHD has formulated a new multi-pronged strategy to tackle the issue of air conditioners dripping. In addition to stepping up publicity and education work, the FEHD will proactively engage property management agents and local community members to foster closer communication and jointly address relevant issues. Meanwhile, the FEHD will also flexibly allocate resources to conduct active inspections and take stringent actions, focusing on tackling locations with more severe dripping problems.”

     During the period from May to October, the FEHD will kick-start the "CLEARSKY" operation in the Eastern, Central and Western, Yau Tsim, Sham Shui Po, Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long Districts. Proactive inspections will target the black spots with significant occurrences of dripping air-conditioners in the districts. This targeted enforcement approach aims to enhance effectiveness in addressing the issue.

     The spokesman remarked, "We believe that this series of measures can swiftly and effectively tackle irregularities related to dripping air-conditioners, safeguarding public health and environmental hygiene."

     In accordance with the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), a person shall be guilty of an offence if he allows his air-conditioner to discharge water in such a manner as to be a hygiene nuisance to others. If nuisance is proven, the FEHD will issue a Nuisance Notice to require the owner or occupier of the relevant premise to abate the nuisance within a specified period. A person who fails to comply may be prosecuted, and upon conviction, is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $10,000, as well as a daily fine of $200 as long as the nuisance continues. 

     The spokesman calls on members of the public to check their air-conditioners regularly. If water dripping is detected, they should expeditiously resolve the problem and avoid causing nuisance to others. For more information, please refer to the leaflet on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/library/aircon/CheckMaintainAC.pdf).
 
Ends/Friday, May 3, 2024
Issued at HKT 21:35
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A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (May 3) that, with summer approaching and the ensuing environmental hygiene nuisances caused by dripping air conditioners, the FEHD has stepped up publicity and education work since last Friday (April 26) to remind members of the public to handle the issue of dripping air conditioners properly. The FEHD has launched a pilot enforcement operation codenamed "CLEARSKY" from May to October across various districts to enhance its efforts in tackling irregularities of dripping air conditioners in private buildings. This initiative aims to effectively mitigate the nuisance caused by relevant issues to the public, while also enhancing environmental hygiene and the cityscape. Photo shows District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Sham Shui Po), Mr Wan Chi-shun (third left); Assistant District Officer (Sham Shui Po), Miss Janice Fung (second left) and a Sham Shui Po District Council member carrying out publicity and education work in Sham Shui Po earlier to distribute promotional leaflets to members of the public.
A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (May 3) that, with summer approaching and the ensuing environmental hygiene nuisances caused by dripping air conditioners, the FEHD has stepped up publicity and education work since last Friday (April 26) to remind members of the public to handle the issue of dripping air conditioners properly. The FEHD has launched a pilot enforcement operation codenamed "CLEARSKY" from May to October across various districts to enhance its efforts in tackling irregularities of dripping air conditioners in private buildings. This initiative aims to effectively mitigate the nuisance caused by relevant issues to the public, while also enhancing environmental hygiene and the cityscape. Photo shows staff of the FEHD carrying out publicity and education work in Yau Tsim District earlier to distribute promotional leaflets to members of the public.