Ten out of the 145 water samples collected from Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui have exceeded the World Health Organisation lead limit, Acting Secretary for Transport & Housing Yau Shing-mu announced today.
During a press briefing to announce the latest test results this afternoon, Mr Yau said the estate’s contractor was Yau Lee Construction and the plumbing subcontractor was Ming Hop. They will be asked to follow up on the findings.
He added the Housing Department will provide bottled water and temporary water supplies, set up water outlets, and conduct a seminar tonight to give residents the latest information.
Mr Yau said the tests also covered the estates' non-residential blocks, such as shopping arcades, as their fresh water supply systems are separate from the residential side. So far no samples from the non-residential blocks have exceeded the limit.
Hospital Authority Quality & Safety Director Dr Derrick Au said lead levels in blood samples taken from four children living in eight public housing estates were found to be slightly higher than international standards.
