Training for district reps to mediate in building rows

The Home Affairs Department announced on Saturday plans to provide extra mediation training for district councillors, as part of efforts to foster harmonious neighbourhood relations. This new initiative, outlined in the latest Policy Address, will see the introduction of a three-tier mechanism to resolve building-management disputes, beginning next year.

The first tier involves district councillors intervening early in disputes to negotiate a resolution. Should the issue persist, professional mediators will be engaged under the second tier, with the case only proceeding to court as a final measure.

Recent examples were given to illustrate the proposed approach. Secretary of Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak explained that instead of merely referring complaints to property management offices, district councillors would also request that these offices facilitate a meeting between the disputing parties. Mak stressed that expanding the responsibilities of district councillors would require providing them with appropriate training.

Even if disputes escalate to second or third tier intervention, district councillors would continue to offer follow-up assistance.

The government shows no immediate plan to introduce mandatory resolution measures, instead advocating for societal consensus first. Any possibility of imposing penalties would require further study.