FEHD “CLEARSKY” operation achieves results in handling dripping air conditioners (with photos)
A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (November 11) that the department's pilot operation codenamed "CLEARSKY", launched across various districts over the past months, has achieved significant results by proactively enhancing inspections to target buildings with dripping air conditioners, complemented by education and publicity efforts.
The spokesman said that the FEHD conducted a number of large-scale operations from May to October in the Eastern, Central and Western, Yau Tsim, Sham Shui Po, Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long Districts. Proactive inspections targeted black spots with significant occurrences of dripping air conditioners in the districts. During the operations, FEHD staff issued a total of 1 505 nuisance notices to owners or occupiers of premises, requiring them to resolve the problem of dripping air conditioners within a specified period. The number represents an increase of more than 1.2 times compared to the same period last year. Most of the nuisance notices have been complied with, while those who fail to comply with the notices will be prosecuted by the FEHD.
In addition, the FEHD has stepped up publicity and education work over the territory, including co-operating with property management agents (PMAs) and local community members to remind the public to properly address the issue of dripping air conditioners through promotional leaflets, posters and banners. Furthermore, the FEHD has raised public awareness and fostered a sense of responsibility regarding dripping air conditioner issues through 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 spokesman said, "Unlike the previous approach where the department mainly followed up on complaints, the FEHD has strived to proactively handle dripping problems through operation 'CLEARSKY'. The FEHD will assess the effectiveness of the operation and consider extending the operation to other districts. The FEHD will also continue to improve environmental hygiene by enhancing service standards with new and innovative ideas."
As PMAs are familiar with the situation of their housing estates and the residents, they are capable of handling the issue of dripping air conditioners in housing estates effectively. Therefore, the FEHD initiated the Scheme of Participation by Property Management Agents in Tackling Dripping Air-conditioners to solicit the assistance of PMAs in handling complaints about dripping air conditioners in private housing estates during the summer season (from May to November). Currently, over 280 PMAs are participating in the Scheme. On average, over 4 000 complaints against dripping air conditioners were followed up and handled through the Scheme annually. To commend participating PMAs, as well as local community members and organisations promoting operation "CLEARSKY", the FEHD held an award ceremony earlier at Lai Chi Kok Government Offices to express gratitude for their efforts.
The spokesman emphasised, "PMAs and local community members play an important role in addressing issues such as dripping air conditions and other environmental hygiene matters. The FEHD looks forward to continuing and enhancing co-operation with them to create a better living environment for the public."
The spokesman called on members of the public to check their air conditioners regularly. If water dripping is detected, they should expeditiously handle it and not cause a 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).
