XN000022-1976-12-19 — Page 5

HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY GÆBAGAS

PRESS RELEASE

新聞稿

Sunday, December 19, 1976

PUBLIC HOUSING SOLVES

HEADACHE FOR LARGE FAMILIES -

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It is frequently difficult in Hong Kong for couples with young

children to find suitable low-cost accommodation.

This was the problem

recently faced by Mr. Lau Man-biu, whose concrete hut at Shek Wai Kok Village

was demolished to make way for a proposed $130 million public housing estate.

When first confronted with the problem Mr. Lau considered all the

advantages and disadvantages of renting accommodation in the private sector

or in public housing.

Trying to rent a room or a small flat proved quite a problem for

Mr. Lau, his wife and three children. Most landlords considered his family

too large for that type of premises and preferred to let to single people

or couples with no children. Also he faced the prospect of paying a high

deposit on the flat, usually two months' rent in advance.

So, the Laus decided to accept an offer of public housing. They

are now living in one of Hong Kong's newest estates, Lai King, at Tsuen Wan.

They occupy a 267-sq-ft self-contained unit at a rent of $180 per month.

Mr. Lau said: "To rent a private room you ought to be single, or

a married couple with no children. I found that renting a private flat was

beyond my financial ability. My best choice is undoubtedly public housing."

Working as a freelance knitting machine technician, Mr. Lau had

been living in the hut at Shek Wai Kok Village for nearly 14 months.

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