Hong Kong sets up commission to probe drinking water incidents

Hong Kong's Chief Executive in Council has approved an independent commission to investigate the incidents of excess lead found in drinking water, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Leung Chun-ying said on Thursday.

High Court Judge Andrew Chan has been appointed as chairman and commissioner of the Commission of Inquiry, and former ICAC Commissioner and Ombudsman Alan Lai will be the another commissioner, Leung said.

The commission is expected to release a report within nine months, and may submit an interim report if necessary, he said.

The commission will conduct an in-depth and independent investigation into the incidents of excess lead in public housing' s drinking water, review and evaluate the drinking water's supply regulatory and monitoring system, and make recommendations on drinking water safety.

Leung believed the commission will conduct an independent, fair and comprehensive investigation with their qualifications and substantial experience in public service.

Leung announced the formation of the commission on July 17, a week after the Housing Department confirmed excessive lead was found in water samples at several Hong Kong housing estates.