Update | CY Leung sets up third body to investigate Hong Kong water contamination scare
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying is setting up a commission chaired by a judge to conduct an "independent and comprehensive" investigation into the spreading tap water contamination scare in Hong Kong's residential buildings.
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying is setting up a commission chaired by a judge to conduct an "independent and comprehensive" investigation into the spreading tap water contamination scare in Hong Kong's residential buildings.
Nearly two weeks into the discovery of excessive levels of lead in drinking water at some public housing estates, and under mounting political pressure, Leung yesterday announced the commission of inquiry would be tasked to get to the bottom of the matter, with the power to summon witnesses and procure documents.
Now it looks like a remedy in haste. They have not even found a judge yet
"We are giving a pretty wide and all-embracing brief, terms of reference, to the commission of inquiry, and the question of responsibility will be covered by the commission," he said.
The chief executive dismissed concerns about a piecemeal response and overlapping mandates as the past five days have seen the establishment of an official task force to investigate the contamination as well as a Housing Authority committee to look into issues such as the quality of materials used in water pipes at public housing estates.
Just 90 minutes ahead of the task force's first meeting yesterday, Leung and top officials explained the mandate of the new commission: to determine the causes of the contamination; to evaluate the existing mechanism that controls the quality of water supply systems in both public and private buildings; and to make recommendations to ensure the safety of drinking water. A similar commission was appointed to investigate the 2012 Lamma ferry disaster.
