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Squatter Control
LAND AND HOUSING
Despite Hong Kong's huge housing programme, the problem of squatters remains. Much undeveloped Crown land in the urban areas on which it is possible to build is occupied by squatters. They erect not only temporary homes but also small factories, shops, workshops, schools and other structures.
There were many more new squatters in 1975 than in the previous year, due to a variety of inter-related factors such as the recession in industry, the continuing flow of immigrants from China, the clearance of roof-top squatters from tenements under redevelopment, and difficulties facing young couples with children trying to find ac- commodation. The position was made worse by the activities of racketeers offering to sell flimsy huts to hard-pressed families with the promise of eventual public housing.
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Several large-scale exercises were carried out to clear squatter blackspots, moving the occupants from these unsanitary conditions to the better environment of licensed areas until they can be offered permanent public housing.
Clearance and Licensed Areas
When a squatter area is needed for development, a clearance operation has to be carried out. Domestic squatters living in surveyed huts are given accommodation in public housing estates, while operators of squatter shops, workshops and industrial undertakings are paid ex-gratia compensation on clearance. Small or medium-sized industrial operators may opt for reprovisioning in a Housing Department flatted factory, if units are available and their trade is suitable for factory operation.
However, in any clearance operation there are some who do not meet the criteria laid down for rehousing. Domestic squatters who are genuinely homeless are offered a site in a Housing Department licensed area where they may build a temporary struc- ture. Sites are also offered to victims of natural disasters who are ineligible for direct rehousing. Licensed areas are provided with basic facilities—a simple water supply, surface drains, latrines and communal bathhouses.
In 1974 the government accepted a recommendation by the Housing Authority that these basic facilities should be improved to include an electricity supply and individual water taps. A later improvement in many of the new licensed areas is the provision of part-built structures with wall supports and a roof. New tenants construct their own walls and kitchens, so preserving the original self-help principle. At the end of the year there were 30 licensed areas providing accommodation for 39,462 people. In view of the continuing squatter problem, more areas are being planned and efforts made to introduce community services such as family planning, counselling and youth activities.
Rent Control of Pre-War Premises
Legislation controlling rents of pre-war premises and providing security of tenure was instituted by proclamation immediately after the war and was later embodied in 1947 in the Landlord and Tenant Ordinance--since re-enacted as Part I of the Land- lord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance. This legislation applies to both domestic