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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
"These fences were erected in order to
(a) prevent indiscriminate crossing of the street by pedestrians
(b) guide pedestrians on to proper crossings.
I regret that I cannot agree that these fences make the areas look like prison compounds. They are perhaps utilitarian rather than decorative but the point is that they are effective in ensuring that maximum pedestrian safety is achieved in these roads. Their removal and replacement by iron railings of a more attractive design would be quite costly and in these days of financial stringency and having regard to other priorities, I would not be prepared to recommend their replacement until funds can be made available.
I am informed that the Public Works Department in future will erect on all central dividing strips and islands ornamental fencing of the type now being used in Nathan Road and Yee Wo Street; and the Commissioner of Police is in agreement with these proposals. The new type of ornamental fencing is effective and does not detract from the amenities of any neighbourhood."
MR. BERNACCHI-As a supplementary, Mr. Chairman, under whose authority is it that these fences are erected?
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS:-The Authority, Mr. Chairman, for the execution of the Road Traffic Ordinance and the Regulations is the Commissioner of Police.
MR. BERNACCHI :-Thank you.
MR. CHAN SHU-WOON asked the following question:-
"Mr. Chairman, I have received information from a large number of residents who had been resettled in Shek Kip Mei and Lei Cheng Uk Estates respectively. They complain of the inadequacy of their living space caused by the gradual increase of births to their families during the past years. Some of these settlers were allotted a quarter portion of a room for which a monthly rental of $7.00 has been paid. Now they have families almost twice as large as they first moved in several years ago, and yet they have to remain in the same limited living quarters as they were first allotted. Is the Chairman aware of these circumstances and take measures to abate them?”
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THE COMMISSIONER for Resettlement replied as follows:-
"It is correct that there is overcrowding in the rooms of older estates where families have increased in size since they were first resettled. In these cases larger rooms are offered to the families concerned, either in the same estate or, more usually, in a newer estate. During the last twelve months over 4,500 persons have been moved to larger rooms under this scheme, of whom about half have moved to other estates."
MR. CHAN SHU-WOON asked the following question :-
"I understand, Mr. Chairman, that many rooms in the Resettlement Blocks for which the monthly rentals are $14.00 have been allotted to two different families. The bedroom is divided into halves one for each family, thus leaving the sitting portion free to be used by both parties. Now there are wooden partitions erected in the sitting area by the family who live in the innermost part of the room, thus causing inconvenience, nuisance and unhealthy conditions therein. Is the Chairman aware of these matters and take measures to remedy them?”
THE COMMISSIONER for Resettlement replied as follows:—
"When two families share a room they are advised on the best method of partitioning it so as to provide privacy and the minimum of inconvenience. When an alternative method of partitioning is used, giving rise to the unhealthy conditions and nuisance complained of, the settlers concerned are warned that it must be removed."
MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question
"Both the Chairman and the Commissioner for Resettlement are aware that sites have been reserved, and layouts approved, in connexion with the new type of single-flat-per-family low-cost housing accommodation.
(a) Since legislation for this type of accommodation has been under discussion in the Legislative Council for many months already, will the Chairman inquire from Government when is it anticipated that the necessary legislation will be passed, so that urgent action can be taken to proceed with this important phase of the low-cost housing programme of the Resettlement Department.
(b) Will the Chairman at the same time point out to Government that the overall number of people
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