District Councillors’ Briefing Session on the “Pro-bono Online Mediation Scheme for Water Seepage Disputes”

On 30 April 2025, the District Councillors’ Briefing Session on the “Pro-bono Online Mediation Scheme for Water Seepage Disputes” was successfully held. The event was jointly organised by the Agency for Volunteer Service and eBRAM, with the support the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Buildings Department of the HKSAR Government.

The briefing session aimed to introduce District Councillors from all 18 districts of Hong Kong to the free online mediation service, equipping them with a clear understanding of the mediation process and how online mediation can help property owners and residents efficiently resolve neighbourhood water seepage disputes. Conducted in Cantonese and held in a hybrid format (in-person and online), the session received enthusiastic participation, attracting nearly 150 attendees.



Highlights of the Event
Welcome Remarks and Institutional Introduction:
Mr. Albert Leung, Acting CEO and CTO of eBRAM, opened the session by introducing eBRAM’s development journey, service mission, and its expertise in mediation. He emphasised that as a leading online dispute resolution centre supported by the Department of Justice of the HKSAR, eBRAM is committed to leveraging technology and professional mediation services to deliver efficient, accessible dispute resolution solutions.

He noted that this new collaboration with the Agency for Volunteer Service to launch the “Free Online Mediation Service for Water Seepage Disputes” reflects this vision, and encouraged District Councillors to help promote the service within their communities.

Service and Process Overview:
Mr. John Siu, Case Management Consultant at eBRAM, gave a detailed walkthrough of the service process—from case intake and allocation to the online mediation stage. He explained how online mediation eliminates geographic barriers, saves time and costs, and helps reduce tensions between parties, thus improving the chances of successful resolution. This offers District Councillors a practical tool to assist in community dispute resolution.

Case Sharing by Mediator:
Dr. Kwok Wai Fong, Kitty, a pro-bono mediator for the service, shared real-life mediation cases she handled. These included common scenarios such as water leakage from upstairs flats causing ceiling damage or mold in downstairs units. She discussed key techniques used in the mediation process and highlighted how trust-building and effective communication helped parties reach consensus amicably. Her practical insights offered valuable reference points for the attending District Councillors.

During the Q&A session, participants actively raised questions and exchanged ideas, creating an engaging and dynamic discussion. The success of this briefing not only enhanced understanding of eBRAM’s online mediation service among District Councillors but also strengthened community ties with professional dispute resolution services. It laid a solid foundation for expanding access to this free online mediation service across all districts in Hong Kong.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with stakeholders to promote accessible, effective, and technology-driven solutions for neighbourhood disputes—fostering harmonious and inclusive community living and contributing to social stability in Hong Kong.

🔗 Learn more:  https://www.ebram.org/Water_Seepage_POM_Scheme/?language=en