MR CHAN KIN-POR (in Cantonese): Deputy President, I support this Waterworks (Waterworks Regulations) (Amendment) Bill 2021 (“the Bill”), and hope that with the passage of the Bill, tenants of subdivided units will no longer have to pay exorbitant water fees. I have to thank Ms Alice MAK for moving this Member’s Bill for the benefit of the grass roots. Her pleading for justice on behalf of the people is absolutely worth our support. In fact, this legislation also carries substantial meaning. At present, given that there is neither filibuster in the Legislative Council nor “black-clad riot” in society, this Council can make contributions to society in a speedy manner. This legislation exercise is a good example, and I wish that there will be more such contributions to come.
This Bill prohibits the sale of water at a price exceeding the specified charges for water, and a person who is guilty of the offence shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000. According to the current water tariff of the Water Supplies Department, the first tier of 12 cubic metres is free of charge, and the tariff is progressively raised with the increase in the amount of water consumed, ranging from about $4 to $9 per cubic metre. However, according to statistics, most of the tenants in subdivided units at present have to pay water fees at a rate of $15 per cubic metre and cannot enjoy the first tier of free water. Given the lower income of the grass roots, it is really very ridiculous that they even have to pay exorbitant water fees.
Even though the community has been aware of these malpractices, nothing could be done about them. During the past period of time, the Government was busy coping with the attacks from the opposition camp, and the focus of public opinions was also on political issues. As a result, the Government did not dare to do what it should have done, leading to numerous problems concerning people’s livelihood. This Bill, although proposed by a Member, was met by the quick reaction from the Government, which is the major reason for the success of this legislation exercise. Pursuant to the Basic Law, the written consent of the Chief Executive shall be required before private bills relating to government policies are introduced by Members. In fact, when a Member proposes to introduce a private bill relating to government policies, the Government will usually have a lot of policy consideration. In the past, it was difficult for such bills to be approved by the Government. However, it is completely different this time, as the Chief Executive has quickly given a written consent to the Member’s Bill introduced by Ms Alice MAK.
As a matter of fact, it is rather rare for the Government to approve the introduction of a Member’s Bill. This time, the Government’s consent precisely shows its determination to improve governance. Currently, the Government is actually studying the introduction of a series of legislative work related to people’s livelihood. It includes hiring overseas doctors, stepping up fire safety of old buildings and formulating tenancy control of subdivided units. Today, this Member’s Bill is exactly complementing the policy of tenancy control of subdivided units. While our society is now getting back to normal, I wish that the Government can, without delay, do more for people’s livelihood and resolve the various kinds of social contradictions, with a view to demonstrating the Government’s benevolent governance and striving for public support.
Finally, I hope that the departments concerned will take law enforcement actions seriously. I am aware of the worry among some organizations that if the departments concerned are not determined in taking the initiative to enforce the law, the law will only become a toothless tiger. Even though tenants of subdivided units know very well that they are overcharged for the use of water, they may dare not report to the authorities for fear of being evicted by the landlords. Hence, the Government must urge the departments concerned to do well in their law enforcement work. They should also launch extensive publicity so that landlords of subdivided units will not dare to challenge the law, and tenants of subdivided units will also be aware of their own rights and interests. Thank you, Deputy President.