122. This section is also responsible for the preparation of the general layout plans for licensed areas and supervision of the works, which include levelling sites for the erection of huts, the construction of paths, steps, drainage and latrines and, in consultation with the Water Authority, the provision of water supplies. It is also responsible for the repair of rainstorm damages and the usual maintenance of these areas. Expenditure on works in licensed areas during the year amounted to $278,620.
123. A new duty for this section is the preparation of materials which are required for minor improvement works in squatter areas. The materials are generally supplied to the squatters by Government and the actual works are undertaken by the squatters themselves. In some cases, however, where the work involved is beyond the technical capacity of the residents, this section carries it out itself.
124. The clearance and resettlement of squatters to make way for permanent development sometimes involves the clearance of patches of cultivation. The division is responsible for preparing accurate topographical surveys for ex-gratia crop compensation and disturbance allowances.
ELECTRICAL SECTION
125. The electrical section is responsible for the maintenance, alteration and improvement of all electrical installations in estates, factories and cottage areas, and also for providing new electrical installations for other departments which maintain offices in estates. Technical advice and inspection of tenants' electrical installations are also carried out in order to ensure that they are safe.
126. The improvement of living standards has led to a rapidly- increasing demand for more electrical supplies in estates as tenants buy more electrical appliances. This extra loading has caused break- downs in supply and it has therefore been necessary to carry out a programme for uprating the switchgear and rising mains in estate blocks. 28 domestic blocks were uprated during the year, but it is still necessary to limit the load in domestic rooms to normal domestic appliances. To increase the loading to cover heavy electrical appliances such as air-conditioners would require the installation of new main cables and a consequential increase in rent. Two factory blocks were also uprated, and the programme for installing moulded circuit- breakers (which localize electrical breakdowns) in factories was nearing completion by the end of the year.
43