(a) Housing
21
(i)
Production
69.
Nowhere is the Governments' investment in the
future more visible than in the field of housing. Over 2.4 million people, or about 45% of the population live in permanent public housing of various types. This year, for the fifth year in succession, the Housing Authority will exceed its annual construction target of 35,000 flats. Next year, the addition of 5,000 flats for sale under the Private Sector Participation Scheme will allow us to boost public sector production, including that of the Hong Kong Housing Society, to over 40,000 flats annually.
70.
The recent depression in the property market has led to a disappointing performance by the private sector, with only 20,000 completions expected this
calendar year. There are, however, some promising signs, particularly in the
market for small residential flats, and production is expected to rise to about 27,000 units in 1985. At present,
2.5 million people live in private sector accommodation. Half of them are owner-occupiers, reflecting the growing and very encouraging trend in home ownership.
some
71.
As I promised last year, the redevelopment of the
old Mark I and II Resettlement blocks has been accelerated.
By the early 1990's, the Kowloon Central Estates, which presently house no less than 105,000 people, will be improved to standards more in keeping with the present times.
(ii) Review of Housing Allocation Policies
72.
Housing Authority to review its
Higher production figures have permitted the allocation policies. This
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