The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, has instructed all departments to maintain their alertness, consider public health as the top priority, and collaborate to develop contingency plans for tackling potential water quality issues.

The Chief Executive was recently briefed on the latest information about the safety of household water supplies for newly built public housing estates by the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Raimundo Arrais do Rosário, and various related departments. All reports indicated that the level of lead content in the water samples tested meets health standards.

Attending the meeting were Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms O Lam; Director of the Marine and Water Bureau, Ms Wong Soi Man; Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Victor Chan; Chairman of the Administration Committee of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Mr Vong Iao Lek; Director of the Health Bureau, Mr Lei Chin Ion; Director of the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau, Mr Li Canfeng; Director of the Housing Bureau, Mr Ieong Kam Wa; Coordinator of the Infrastructure Development Office, Mr Chau Vai Man; and Assistant Spokesperson of the Government, Mr U Man Fong.

Mr Raimundo Arrais do Rosário reported to the Chief Executive on progress with the inter-departmental water quality inspections for newly built public housing units. He stressed that no effort will be spared to ensure safe and stable quality water supplies for public housing units.

Mr Vong Iao Lek presented the latest situation of sampling for water quality tests. So far, all tested water samples from the newly built public housing estates meet health standards in term of lead content.

Mr Lei Chin Ion said the Health Bureau has developed contingency plans, and briefed the meeting – from the professional medical and health perspective, regarding the general public’s intake of heavy metal elements in their daily lives.

Ms Wong Soi Man and Mr Ieong Kam Wa reported on their departments' temporary water supply solutions.

Mr Li Canfeng and Mr Chau Vai Man explained the design of water supply systems of newly completed public housing, from a professional perspective.

The Chief Executive said the Government fully understands local residents’ worries about potential safety issues related to drinking water, and will as usual safeguard public health as its top priority. Apart from performing their own functions, all departments should also continue to maintain effective communications and supervision, and formulate contingency plans focusing on various areas, to secure the safety and stability of quality water supplies for newly completed public housing estates.

The Chief Executive recognised the inter-departmental efforts made to ensure safe water supplies for public housing, and instructed all departments to ensure timely release of information, to put people’s minds at ease.