HOUSING
198
centres continues with four projects completed during the year at a cost of $200 million.
To improve the water quality of potable water supply in estates, a master replumbing programme was developed, and 405 rental blocks have been scheduled for replumbing within the coming three years. So far 38 blocks in total were replumbed with non-ferrous materials. In addition, a total of 61 pump houses were renovated and replaced by stainless steel flush water pumps.
With the successful implementation of the pilot scheme in 35 estates in April 1995, the MISIS front-line system, a fully computerised system for minor maintenance works, was extended to 110 estates. The authority is reviewing and re-engineering various processes relating to day-to-day minor maintenance with a view to providing better maintenance services for the tenants.
Electrical rewiring and reinforcement programmes have progressed well. During the year, 71 rental blocks were rewired and/or reinforced at a total cost of $133 million. The programme will be completed in 2003/04.
Conversion of the existing fire services dry riser system to a wet riser system in estates has been completed. A similar improvement programme for the provision of wet riser system to low-rise blocks, factory blocks and staff quarters is scheduled for completion by September 1997.
The security package for installing security gates and CCTV inside lifts in existing rental buildings was provided to 367 blocks. It is anticipated that the entire programme for more than 940 buildings would be completed by June 1997. Progress on modernisation of lifts in older buildings was in full swing. The Cable TV service has been activated in more than 238 existing estates/courts with scheduled completion to all estates by end-1997.
Squatter Control
The squatter population has been reduced to 21 800 in the urban area and to 215 300 in the New Territories as a result of rehousing.
The 1982 squatter structure survey provides a baseline for control of new squatting on government land and private agricultural land. Squatter control is maintained by carrying out daily patrols and regular hut-to-hut checks. During the year, a total of 3 700 illegal structures and extensions were demolished.
The Housing Authority repairs and maintains the facilities in the existing squatter areas. In the event of fire, landslips and natural disasters, Squatter Control staff attend the scene and provide transit accommodation for victims rendered homeless. Eligible households will be offered rehousing accordingly. A total of 1 010 people were given either permanent or interim housing in 1996 under this category.
Squatter Clearance
All squatters on government land in the urban area were offered rehousing by the end of March 1996. During the year, 194 hectares of land were cleared, with 9 200 and 2 800 affected people given permanent or interim housing. Some 1 020 industrial, commercial and agricultural undertakings affected by clearances were awarded ex- gratia allowances.