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# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
the Western Magistracy Building is completed and the Urban Services Department staff at present housed on the site of the Post Office Building can move to their new offices. This is likely to be 12 to 18 months hence, during which time working drawings will be put in hand for this new ten storey building. Assuming 15 months for demolition, piling and construction of the new building after the site becomes available, it would appear that the scheme should be completed in about 21/2 years from now.
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It is understood from the Architectural Office of the Public Works Department that the following blocks are likely to be completed between the 1st January and the 20th March, 1963.
Wang Tau Hom Blocks AA, F, H, J, K, M, S, T with population capacity of 18,900 Lo Fu Ngam 2 Blocks 4,760 1,760 Chai Wan II 1 Block 3,280 Tung Tau 2 Blocks 4,600 Tai Wo Hau 2 Blocks 1,020 Shek Kip Mei 1 Block Total 34,320MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:—
(a) Will the Commissioner for Resettlement please state how many persons were resettled for the period 1st October - 31st December, 1962?
(b) Is it reasonably anticipated that the target to accommodate 100,000 persons will be reached for the period 1st April, 1962 - 31st March, 1963?
(c) If the answer to (b) is in the negative, will the Commissioner indicate what further steps can be taken to expedite the programme?
THE COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT replied as follows:-
In reply to part (a) of your question, the number of persons resettled into the Estates during the third quarter of the current financial year was 22,537 and this included 7,641 who were transferred from Cottage Areas. As at the 1st January there is a balance of approximately 5,000 places which will be available for allocation during the current quarter.
In reply to part (b), there is a reasonable possibility of an overall figure in the region of 100,000 being attained, subject to some resultant diminution in the population of Cottage Areas.
The justification for this assumption is as follows:
In the first quarter of the financial year, 21,070 persons were resettled into the Estates including 2,097 transferred from Cottage Areas.
In the second quarter, 12,241 persons were resettled including 3,545 transferred from Cottage Areas. The sum total of those resettled during the three quarters is therefore 55,848.
The total could thus be 90,168 plus the existing balance of approximately 5,000. A further 5 blocks with accommodation for 10,630 people are due for completion between 21st March and 30th March. However, I deliberately chose the 20th March as the final date as it is obviously necessary to stagger the intake periods. A block completed on the 30th March cannot be fully occupied on the next day. It is generally quicker to resettle persons who have already been resited as their personal details are more readily available.
I would emphasize that a sudden rainstorm, landslide or other unforeseen circumstance could easily delay completion of the full programme I have just quoted. For example Typhoon "Wanda" threw the programme out of gear for a period of several weeks and 5 Blocks which should have been completed this financial year will not now be completed until April or May, 1963, i.e. a difference of about 12,000 people.
Concerning the further steps to be taken, Members will be aware of the decision to construct 16 storey Blocks and although the effect of this new departure will not be seen for two years, I am assured by the Director of Public Works...
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