XN000022-1995-03-08 — Page 42

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Rehousing policy for occupants of unauthorised rooftop structures

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, in the Legislative Council motion debate on clearance and rehousing of rooftop structure occupants today (Wednesday):

Mr President,

I shall speak on the rehousing policy for occupants of unauthorised rooftop structures affected by the Buildings Department's demolition action. When notified that a Notice of Intention has been issued under the Buildings Ordinance, the Housing Department will immediately conduct a survey of affected occupants and establish their eligibility for rehousing. Offers are made, and sufficient time is allowed before the Buildings Department enforces the Closure Order. Thus our policy is to offer and provide rehousing to those in need prior to demolition.

The fundamental principle in our rehousing policy is that no one will be rendered homeless. Rooftop occupants affected by demolition action are eligible for rehousing in a public rental flat or given priority to purchase a Home Ownership Scheme flat, if they meet the following three criteria:

(a)

(b)

(c)

they can prove that they were living in the rooftop structures on or before 1 June 1982;

the majority of their family members have been living in Hong Kong for seven years or more; and

they have not owned or entered into any sales and purchase agreement in respect of domestic property in Hong Kong in the past 24 months. I must point out here that ownership of an unauthorised rooftop structure will not affect the eligibility for public rental housing, but the owner must undertake to demolish the illegal structure upon allocation of public housing.

If there is any misunderstanding on this point, those aggrieved are advised to approach the Housing Department again. Those rooftop occupants who do not satisfy criterion (b) on the period of residence in Hong Kong but are otherwise eligible will be rehoused in refurbished flats in older housing estates. Others who do not meet the three criteria are rehoused in Temporary Housing Areas in the New Territories. Subject to the recommendation of the Social Welfare Department, compassionate rehousing in either public rental housing or temporary housing in the urban area will be offered to affected occupants in special circumstances.