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Of the 885 old blocks, 304 have already been demolished and redeveloped. In the next five years, the Housing Authority will redevelop another 185 blocks, comprising 77,000 flats or nearly 12% of its total rental stock. This is a high proportion, and any further acceleration of the programme without very good reason will adversely affect the provision of public rental housing to families on the general waiting list. Nevertheless, the Housing Authority will review its Redevelopment Programme regularly, and full account will be taken of any housing block found to have structural defects.
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End/Wednesday, July 5, 1995
Sub-standard housing estates
Following is a question by the Hon Elsie Tu and a reply by the Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
About two decades ago I wrote to the then Director of Public Works enclosing a sample of the sub-standard building material used in the building of public housing estates in Tsuen Wan Kwai Chung area. The sample was supplied by a contractor who was concerned that corrupt contractors were using cheap materials and salt water in building public housing estates. The allegation was denied, but some years later tenants had to be removed from some estates because of the poor quality of building materials. Unofficial report said that over 100 blocks in various areas were in a similar condition and should be rebuilt. In view of this, will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
(c)
how many blocks were identified as being sub-standard due to poor building materials and use of salt water in concrete-making;
of the blocks referred to in (a) above, how many have been demolished as dangerous buildings; and in which areas are these dangerous blocks located; and
what action has been, or is being, taken against the responsible contractors and Government officials?