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"Since the enactment of the Bedspace Apartments Ordinance in 1994, staff of the HAD Licensing Authority have conducted regular inspections to these apartments, and gave the operators the advice on fire and building safety in order to ensure the BSAs meet the safety standards," Mr Suen said.
"Apart from introducing legislative measures, we have also made efforts in various aspects to provide accommodation for BSA lodgers so that they will not be rendered homeless as a result of the licensing scheme under the Bedspace Apartments Ordinance.
"The Shun Ning Road Singleton Hostel is planned with this aim in mind and the completion of this project will mark a great step forward in our work in improving the living conditions of BSA lodgers," he said.
Costing over $60 million and funded by the Land Development Corporation (LDC), the 16-storey hostel will provide 312 places for eligible single persons in an environment better than any existing facilities. Each lodger will be provided with a partitioned room, equipped with basic facilities.
Mr Suen noted that the hostel will also include a multi-service centre for the elderly and a sitting-out area. These are important community facilities which will serve both the BSA lodgers and residents in the district.
"Construction of the hostel will commence in September and is expected to be completed in mid-1998 to tie in with the full implementation of the licensing scheme," Mr Suen added.
Mr Suen said the materialisation of the hostel project was a result of the concerted efforts of various departments and community organisations. It also serves as a good example of what can be achieved by involving the community.
He expressed his gratitude to LDC for funding the project, the constructive comments made by the Sham Shui Po District Board, and the Urban Council for releasing the site of the temporary sitting-out area for the construction of the hostel.
Mr Suen also revealed that plans are in hand to build a similar hostel at High Street, Sai Ying Pun. Designed by the Architectural Services Department, it has gained the support of the Central and Western District Board and other organisations. Subject to the availability of funds, construction of the hostel will be completed in a few years' time.