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Appeal to rooftop occupants to register with Housing Department
The Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, today (Wednesday) repeated his appeal to occupants of illegal rooftop structures, who wish to be rehoused in public rental estates, to come forward to register with the Housing Department and place themselves on the General Waiting List.
Mr Wong said: "This is the proper way to ensure that they will be considered for rehousing together with other applicants on the General Waiting List on a fair and equitable basis."
"The earlier they put in their applications, the earlier they will be rehoused if they can meet the normal household income limit criteria."
Mr Wong reiterated that it is the Government's policy to offer rehousing to those in need prior to any clearance or demolition. No one would be made homeless under this policy.
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.
"The criteria for rehousing are reasonable and fair and should not be changed in favour of a particular group. We do not consider it reasonable to provide immediate rehousing in public rental flats for rooftop occupants who do not satisfy the eligibility criteria. To do so will lead to accusations of 'queue jumping', which is unfair to eligible households already on the Waiting List," he said.
Mr Wong noted that of the 16 families registered with the Housing Department in connection with the Tsuen Wan clearance earlier this year, four have been rehoused in public rental estates, seven in temporary housing, one is being processed for public rental rehousing, and one is under investigation. The remaining three families have either given up their application or been disqualified because they are owners of private property or not bona-fide occupants.