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of the
On the basis of present trends a significant improvement in the
surplus is likely at the close of the current financial year.
Nevertheless, the Hong Kong Government will continue to keep public
expenditure firmly under control and to contain the size
public sector, presently equivalent to about 16% 17% of the gross domestic product. This will be achieved through prudent management
resources and by continued efforts increase the efficiency of
the public service, the total size of which has increased by only
of
2% in 1986
to
IX.
SOCIAL PROGRAMMES
(a)
55.
Housing
For the seventh consecutive year the Hong Kong Housing
Authority has exceeded its annual target for
for the production of new
flats, with 43,000 flats being added to the public housing stock.
_rivate sector production was estimated to be
a record 38,000 flats
in 1986 and a similar level of production is expected in 1987.
56
On
the basis of present rates of production, the Housing
Authority should be in a
position to meet the demand for rental
housing by the mid-1990s. At the same time there is a growing
demand from families wishing to own their own home s and this will
take longer to satisfy. The Hong Kong Government is considering how
private sector output can best be encouraged and how public
resources can best complement the private sector in meeting the
long-term demand for housing in the 1990s and beyond.
57
in
As part of the comprehensive programme to clear and re-house
families living in urban squatter areas, rehousing has started
preparation for a major clearance of squatters in the
Shau Kei Wan
area of Hong Kong Island in 1987. The Housing Authority also
continued to improve the environment of many squatter areas,
particulary those which cannot be cleared in the near future.
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