Pro-bono Online
Mediation Scheme for
Water Seepage Disputes
Stay dry, give mediation a try
About the Scheme-
Successful Case
成功案例分享
這宗漏水糾紛起因於樓上單位在進行裝修時，施工人員不當改動了管道結構，導致樓下單位的客廳和洗手間出現嚴重漏水情況。雙方在漏水原因和賠償金額上存在很大的分歧，這些分歧引發了衝突，雙方的親屬也捲入其中。最嚴重的衝突甚至驚動了警方介入調查。
受漏水影響的一方認為，漏水方應賠償包括家具損壞費用、裝修費以及重新裝修期間所產生的住宿費用。然而，漏水方對於這些賠償金額表示不合理，拒絕接受對方提出的賠償方案。雙方曾嘗試通過面對面協商解決爭議，甚至在物業管理員的協助下進行調解，但多次見面討論後，仍未能達成一致。
最終，雙方決定尋求一邦的協助，使用其滲漏糾紛義務網上調解服務。一邦的案件管理團隊在收到一方申請後積極連繫另一方並取得同意參與調解, 在了解漏水事件後透過一邦線上調解平台安排合適的義務調解員參與服務.
在調解員的協助下，雙方進行了高效的溝通與談判。調解員耐心聆聽雙方的訴求，打破每一個僵局, 協助互相了解, 放下立場, 願意拋出和解方案, 成功和解。
在首次調解會議上，雙方正式簽訂了和解協議，確定了具體的賠償項目及金額，並立即支付完成了賠償款項的支付，徹底解決了長達半年的漏水糾紛。
該事件的圓滿解決，充分展示了一邦調解員的專業素養和中立地位，為雙方提供了一個公平、公正且具有科技支撐的解決平台。雙方當事人對於調解結果表示非常滿意! 並對調解員的辛勤付出和專業協助表示由衷感謝。特別感謝調解員的專業知識、科技應用的支持和耐心，使快速達成和解，最終圓滿解決了這次糾紛。事後, 當事人發「感謝函」到相關部門致謝一邦和調解員, 內容說及: 「此次調解不僅避免了漫長訴訟耗費, 更讓我們體會到以和為貴的可貴。謹此致上最深謝忱, 願一邦春風化雨的精神能為更多社區紛爭帶來祥和曙光。」。
The Pro-bono Online Mediation Scheme for Water Seepage Disputes (”Scheme”) is a collaborative initiative operated by eBRAM and Agency for Volunteer Service. Supported by the “Joint Office” established by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Buildings Department, the Scheme aims to foster a harmonious community by offering pro-bono online mediation services to property occupants and owners encountering disputes arising from water seepage issues, facilitating effective and timely dispute resolution.
✓ Free of charge
✓ Simple and efficient
✓ Mediation conducted by an independent and neutral volunteer mediator
What is the Scheme about?
Mediation enables the parties to resolve disputes amicably and effectively with the assistance of an independent mediator. Under the Scheme, a voluntary mediator will be assigned to mediate the parties’ dispute via eBRAM’s online dispute resolution platform ("ODR Platform").
What are the benefits of mediation?
- Save time and money: Mediation is usually faster and more economical than litigation. The parties do not have to endure lengthy scheduling and litigation processes, nor do they have to pay substantial legal fees.
- Gain greater control: During mediation, the parties play a more active role in identifying potential solutions. They are guided by the mediator to find practical solutions, rather than leaving it to the Court to make rulings.
- Minimise direct conflict: Mediation emphasises fairness and understanding, reduce tension and conflict between the parties and protect the neighboring relationship.
- Objective and impartial: The mediator is a professional, impartial third-party who helps the parties identify solutions that might otherwise be overlooked.
Organizers:
Supporting Departments:
Frequently Asked Questions
When can mediation help?
When a water seepage problem occurs, the parties concerned may at any stage agree to mediate, for example
- When the owners or occupiers have had initial communication but were unable to effectively advance negotiations; or
- The parties are willing to resolve the problem via mediation.
If the owners or occupiers would like to learn more about this scheme, they are encouraged to seek further information from eBRAM through https://www.ebram.org/Water_Seepage_POM_Scheme. They can also access the Joint Office’s Thematic Water Seepage webpage at www.waterseepage.gov.hk.
Mediation process
Is mediation time-consuming?
The length of the mediation process varies depending on the complexity of the subject matter in dispute but is generally more time-efficient compared to litigation. If the dispute is not complex, the parties may only need to attend one mediation session (which generally takes about one day or less) to reach an agreement.
How to join the Scheme?
The Scheme is intended for property occupants and owners encountering water seepage disputes. The parties concerned are required to use eBRAM’s ODR Platform and to conduct the mediation online in accordance with the eBRAM Mediation Rules. Under the scheme, certain eBRAM Mediation Rules were modified such as mediators are assigned and appointed by eBRAM and provisions relating to the cost of mediation are waived.
eBRAM reserves the right of final interpretation of all details relating to the Scheme and the right to modify the Scheme at any time without prior notification.
Mediation is a process independent of any government departments or agencies investigation concerning water seepage issues. Any agreement to mediate, discussions during mediation, or agreements reached will not affect any pending or ongoing investigation by government department or agencies.
View the "Pro-bono Online Mediation (POM) Scheme for Water Seepage Disputes" leaflet
