Two Appear In Court Over 2015 Lead Water Scandal

Two subcontractors accused of lying under oath during an investigation into the lead water pipe scandal of 2015 appeared in District Court on Wednesday.

Defendants Mok Hoi-kwong, 61 and Siu Kin-wong, 57 were charged in December 2015 for allegedly deceiving contractors, and lying to an independent commission of inquiry that was looking into the scandal that year.

The investigation was set up after it emerged that there were high levels of lead in drinking water at a number of public housing estates.

Mok and Siu allegedly lied to the commission when they said they weren't aware of Housing Authority rules on the use of solder for water pipes, and when claiming to be unaware that they were working with leaded solder.

They are charged with perjury and fraud.

Mok oversaw plumbing projects for the the Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate between 2009 to 2012, and the Shek Kip Mei Estate between 2010 to 2012.

Siu was in charge of plumbing for the Choi Fook Estate in Kwun Tong between 2008 to 2012.

Both men allegedly claimed to contractor Yau Lee Construction Company that only lead-free solder would be used for the pipes.

The court heard that the prosecution will summon 40 witnesses to give testimony in the men's trial. The case was adjourned until May 12, and the pair were released on bail.