Bat Yam Advances Effort to Stop Air-Conditioner Drips After Balfour Street Pilot

Bat Yam is moving its effort to stop air-conditioner water dripping onto pedestrians into a second phase, following a pilot on Balfour Street. Mayor Tzvika Brot described the trial as successful in a statement disclosed on November 4. The initiative addresses condensate falling onto people walking and shopping beneath privately owned appliances. Brot said the nuisance has repeatedly featured in residents' complaints since he took office. He described a constraint on the municipality's response: the air conditioners and properties belong to private owners, limiting municipal intervention. At the same time, he said owners are responsible for directing drainage away from pedestrian routes. To develop an approach, the mayor brought together the southern district administration, municipal inspection teams, the legal department and the community division. The Balfour Street pilot relied on outreach to residents, with assistance for air-conditioner owners who then addressed the dripping. Brot thanked the residents who participated and the municipal teams involved in the work. The campaign, called Tipa Hitkhashvut, or A Little Consideration, is now continuing into its second phase. Brot said the intention is eventually to address the problem throughout Bat Yam. The disclosed account gives no budget, number of participating properties, list of streets for the next phase or implementation timetable.