3
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"Moreover, with the subsidy from the General Chinese Charities Fund and LDC, HAD has purchased suitable flats in the urban area for conversion into singleton hostels.
"There are at present 23 such hostels with a combined capacity of 364 places. We are indeed grateful to the Agency for Volunteer Services for managing these hostels for us.
"In solving the problems associated with BSAs, we not only have to provide accommodation for the lodgers, but also make efforts to enhance their quality of life.
"You are all most welcome to express your views on the management of the hostel, as well as suggestions on how to encourage the lodgers to integrate and participate in the community when the Shun Ning Road Singleton Hostel opens," he said.
Mr Suen said with the assistance of various departments and organisations, HAD had played a crucial role in solving the housing problems of many BSA lodgers in the
past few
few years.
"Through the arrangements of the Housing Department and the Social Welfare Department, BSA lodgers aged 60 or above are eligible for compassionate rehousing in public housing flats," he noted.
Also speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau, said one of HAD's priorities was to improve the living conditions of BSA lodgers.
"We have made a lot of efforts in this respect over the past few years, and with the support of the Home Affairs Branch, relevant Government departments, district boards and concern groups, we are confident that we will make further achievements in improving the living conditions of BSA lodgers," she said.
Other officiating guests included Director of Housing, Mr Tony Miller; Chairman of Sham Shui Po District Board, Mr Wong Chung-ki; Managing Board Member of LDC, Mr Pao Bing-wing; and Director of Society for Community Organisation, Mr Ho Hei-wah.
End