Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ11: Air-conditioning systems in public markets

Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yuen-han and a written reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, in the Legislative Council today (June 26):

Question:

It has been learnt that Shek Wu Hui Market in Sheung Shui, which was commissioned in the early nineties of the last century, is the first public market installed with an air-conditioning (A/C) system in Hong Kong. However, some stall operators of the market have relayed to me that the Market has been in use for almost two decades and its A/C system has been ageing. For instance, the A/C system had broken down last year and this year, and some A/C units even had to cease operation recently, resulting in excessively high temperature in the Market. The worsening business environment has seriously affected the stall operators and patrons. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the number of failures of the A/C systems in the public markets in Hong Kong in the past three years (set out by market);

(b) of the respective years in which the A/C systems in the various existing public markets in Hong Kong were installed and the number of years that the A/C units had been used (set out by market); whether the authorities have replaced the A/C systems in various public markets on a regular basis; if they have, of the service years set for those systems, and whether the A/C system in Shek Wu Hui Market is due for replacement; if they have not replaced the A/C systems on a regular basis, of the reasons for that;

(c) as some stall operators have relayed that certain areas of Shek Wu Hui Market have all along been suffering from insufficient air flow, whether the authorities will formulate measures to improve the situation; if they will, of the details; if not, the reason for that;

(d) as it has been reported earlier that the "Indoor Air Quality Certification Scheme for Offices and Public Places" implemented by the Environment Protection Department had found that a number of parameters of air quality objectives had exceeded the limits during the inspection conducted in a number of public libraries, whether the existing public markets in Hong Kong have participated in the certification scheme; if they have, of the results; if not, the reason for that; and

(e) whether the repair and maintenance of the A/C systems in the existing public markets in Hong Kong is undertaken by outsourced contractors or contractors; if it is, whether provisions are stipulated in the contracts to ensure that the indoor air quality of the markets meets the standards; if so, of the details; if not, the reason for that?

Reply:

President,

Shek Wu Hui Market in Sheung Shui came into operation in 1994. Separate air-conditioning (A/C) systems were installed in the market and the cooked food centre, and the systems are maintained and repaired by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD). The market had its A/C system replaced in 2005. According to records, the A/C system of the market broke down in July and September last year, resulting in insufficient A/C supply. Upon urgent repair by EMSD staff, the A/C supply resumed normal in two days. As regards the failure of the A/C system for the cooked food centre in May this year which led to insufficient A/C supply, the EMSD arranged for replacement of components immediately and the repair works were completed in mid-June. During the time when repair works were being carried out, the EMSD provided temporary mobile A/C facilities to help alleviate the problem of excessively high indoor temperature in the cooked food centre.

My reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:

(a) The number of failures of A/C systems in public markets which affected A/C supply in the past three years is given in the Annex.

(b) The years in which the A/C systems in various public markets were installed are shown in the Annex. According to the EMSD, whether it is necessary to replace an A/C system or a piece of equipment generally depends on their operating conditions. The number of service years is just one of the factors taken into consideration. To ensure that the A/C systems in its public markets are in good working order, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has adopted various management measures, including regular cleansing and maintenance of A/C systems, and the installation of air purification system (e.g. ultra-violet light, air scrubber, dehumidifying equipment etc.). The FEHD will replace the facilities as and when required.

(c) The FEHD will, in the light of the operating conditions of A/C systems and equipment and in response to the views of market tenants and members of the public, request the EMSD to submit proposals for improvement works as and when appropriate. As mentioned above, the A/C system of Shek Wu Hui Market broke down last year but resumed normal service after repair.

(d) The indoor air quality (IAQ) standards set by the Environmental Protection Department are only applicable to offices and public places with a mechanical ventilation and air conditioning (MVAC) system, such as shopping malls, hotels and libraries. As the indoor environment of public markets is different from that of offices or other public places, the IAQ standards do not apply to public markets.

(e) The repair and maintenance of all A/C systems in existing public markets in Hong Kong are undertaken by contractors of the EMSD. No provisions relating to air quality are included in the contracts concerned. As has been mentioned in part (b) of this reply, the FEHD conducts regular cleansing and maintenance of the A/C systems and has installed air purification systems to ensure that the A/C systems in its public markets are in good working order.

Ends/Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:14

NNNN

LCQ11 Annex