7.
The figure of 30,000 itself, of course, must not be looked at in relation to the figure of 500,000 in temporary housing in the urban areas, (New Territories squatting is, in general, a wide scatter of huts, and one does not so frequently see the "npleasant huddling found in urban areas), but in relation to the number of squatters on land not needed for development. As I have said, what is and is not needed is not so easy to define : a working figure for squatters on such land in the "rban areas of Hong Kong and Kowloon is estimated at 317,000 The figure of 30,000 recommended for clearance by the Board must of course be set against the other priorities which the Board has had to have regard to.
but.
more
Finally, on this aspect of the problem, and with reference to (c) above, a recent survey amongst squatters has thrown up that many are not so much concerned with the quality of their housing, but with increased amenities in squatter areas paths, water standpipes, lighting, etc., than at present provided. No doubt this applies more in the better regulated areas and less so in the "wild" squatter areas, which would tend to be the areas for first attention under the Board's new policy proposals. But it suggests an alternative (or supplementary) policy for areas not required for development: of substantially improving amenities rather than clearing and resettling. Of course, such a policy would have to be followed in a discriminatory manner. Where land is known to be urgently needed for development in the reasonably near future in the public interest, it would be fatal to make the amenities so advanced and convenient that clearance would every time become a battle with squatters unwilling to move.
that