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In rehousing eligible rooftop occupants affected by demolition action, the Housing Department will offer public rental flats in the same district as far as possible. However, I must point out that local rehousing is not always possible if there are inadequate housing resources in that district.
Rooftop occupants who have already registered on the General Waiting List of the Housing Department will be rehoused in public rental housing if they meet the normal household income limit criterion and if their turn for public housing allocation is due within six months: in this case they will be rehoused immediately in the district in which their application is due.
The rehousing policy and arrangements which I have just outlined apply to both rooftop occupants and squatters on government land, despite the conduct of an occupancy survey of squatters in 1985. In every demolition exercise, the Housing Department works closely with the Buildings Department to ensure that ample notice is given and rehousing offers are made prior to demolition. I wish to stress again that no one will be rendered homeless. Problems arise only when occupants refuse to accept the type of rehousing for which they are eligible. Clearly, it is in their own interest to co-operate with the Housing Department. To do otherwise will only, delay the rehousing process, and in any case will not change their eligibility status.
Some Members of this Council seem to have implied that we should relax the rehousing policy for rooftop occupants. This is not advisable. We do not consider it reasonable to provide immediate rehousing in public rental flats for rooftop occupants who do not satisfy the eligibility criteria. We have been told that to do so will lead to accusations of "queue jumping", which is unfair to those eligible households already on the General Waiting List of the Housing Department. Indeed, any such preferential treatment may also encourage more illegal structures to be built.
I appeal again to all eligible rooftop occupants who wish to obtain public housing to come forward now to register with the Housing Department and place themselves on the General Waiting List. This is the proper way to ensure that they will obtain public housing.
Mr President, the rehousing policy for rooftop occupants is reasonable and fair. It is consistent with that for squatters on government land. We do not see the need for change. For these reasons, we do not support the motion.
Thank you.
End/Wednesday, March 8, 1995