New clearance package for Tiu Keng Leng residents
The Government has offered a special ex- gratia allowance of $7,000 per square metre to permit-holders of structures in the Tiu Keng Leng Cottage Area in addition to the offer of public housing in order to clear the area to make way for public and private housing development.
On average, a domestic household will receive about $288,000 as special ex- gratia allowance and a shop owner about $727,000.
"The new rate represents an increase of 39 per cent over the previous offer made in July last year," said the Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic S W Wong. "This is decided after a thorough review, having regard to the unique background of the Tiu Keng Leng Cottage Area."
Mr Wong indicated that "a sufficient number of public housing units have been reserved in the newly completed Hau Tak Estate nearby for eligible residents in the cottage area. Subject to the availability of flats, the Housing Department may consider residents' requests for other public rental housing units. Residents who do not take up the rehousing offer may buy flats under the Home Ownership Scheme with priority."
Eligible shop and workshop operators will be given restricted tender to bid for shops and market stalls in Housing Authority estates, or alternatively they may receive an additional allowance of $73,000 on top of the special ex-gratia allowance and the normal ex-gratia allowance applicable to shops and workshops.
The offer also includes an increase in domestic removal allowance to a new rate ranging from $3,410 to $8,780 per household, depending on family size.
"The revised package is exceptional, reasonable and much improved, taking into account the special background of the cottage area and the fact that the occupants had put up at their own costs the structures which are freely assignable with the approval of the Director of Housing," said Mr Wong.
"The revised package will be the final offer, and will be subject to the Legislative Council Finance Committee's approval of the necessary funds; estimated at about $972 million.'
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"The revised package will not set a precedent for other clearances. If funds are not available, the Government would have no choice but to hold back the clearance indefinitely."
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