Pro-bono Online Mediation Scheme for
Water Seepage Disputes
Stay dry, give mediation a try
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 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 processes are 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 have were unable to failed to effectively advance the negotiations; or
- The parties are willing to resolve the issue via mediation.
If the owners or occupiers would like to learn more about this scheme, they are encouraged to seek further advice from eBRAM through the https://www.ebram.org/Water_Seepage_POM_Scheme regarding the free professional online mediation services. They can also browse the scheme’s introduction of Thematic water seepage webpage at www.waterseepage.gov.hk of Joint Office.
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 for the same level of complexity. If the dispute is less complex and the mediation process is smooth, the parties may only need to attend one mediation session (which generally takes about one day or lesser time) to try to reach an agreement.
How to join the Scheme?
The Scheme is intended for property occupants and owners encountering water seepage issues. The parties concerned are required to use eBRAM’s ODR Platform and to conduct mediation online in accordance with the eBRAM Mediation Rules (as modified under the POM Scheme such that 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 (Chinese version only)
