46
Clearance of temporary housing areas
Following is a question by the Hon Lee Wing-tat and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
With regard to the clearance of Temporary Housing Areas (THAs), will the Government inform this Council:
(a) whether the decision to retain 13 THAs as announced by the Housing Authority is in contravention of its policy on THAs made previously;
(b) how the rehousing arrangements of those residents living in the above-mentioned THAS which are not yet scheduled for demolition compare with those who live in THAs with firm clearance dates; and
(c) what environmental improvement programmes will be implemented by the Government for the 13 THAs, and what the estimated cost is?
Answer:
Mr President,
The number and location of Temporary Housing Areas (THAs) required to meet changing demand is subject to periodic review. The purpose of retaining 13 existing THAs beyond 1997 is to meet future demand arising from clearance programmes and immigration from China.
The Government's commitment to offer permanent rehousing in public rental estates, before the end of 1997, to all authorised persons living in THAs as at the end of 1993 remains unchanged. Indeed we will go one step further: by the end of 1997, all authorised persons living in THAs as at the end of September 1995 will be offered rehousing in public rental estates.
The rehousing arrangements for existing residents of the 13 THAs will be similar to those for residents of THAs which have firm clearance dates. Eligible households will be offered public rental housing by the end of 1997. They will also be entitled to apply, with priority Green Form status, for the purchase of Home Ownership Scheme flats or for assistance under the Home Purchase Loan Scheme.