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HAD helps Tsuen Wan fire victims
Bedspace apartment lodgers affected by the Yeung Uk Road fire can stay in the Alexandra Community Centre until alternative accommodation is provided, the Director of Home Affairs, Mr Joseph WP Wong, said today (Monday).
Speaking to media members after visiting the lodgers at the centre, Mr Wong said activities to be held at the venue by other organisations for the next few days had been cancelled.
He said the Home Affairs Department (HAD) would also offer temporary accommodation in its singleton hostels to the lodgers and that staff from the Tsuen Wan District Office were getting in touch with them to see if they needed any help.
Mr Wong said the department would offer cash assistance under the General Chinese Charities Fund to the lodgers who were in need of emergency relief.
In addition, arrangements have been made for the Yan Chai Hospital to provide them with financial relief.
On the conditions of the affected bedspace apartment, Mr Wong said surveyors of HAD's Licensing Authority would examine the structure carefully to see if it was safe for the lodgers to return.
"If the building is still safe and the operator wishes to continue his business, the Licensing Authority will advise him on the renovation works to ensure that the safety and sanitation standards are met.
"If the building is unsafe, HAD will co-ordinate with the Housing Department closely to work out long-term rehousing arrangements for the lodgers."
As regard the implementation of the bedspace apartment licensing scheme, Mr Wong reiterated that HAD would step up inspections of the 150 known apartments and specific improvement requirements would be issued to operators towards the end of this
End/Monday, March 27, 1995
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