XN000022-1996-01-10 — Page 58

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Converted one-person flats in public housing estates

Following is a question by the Hon David Chu Yu-lin and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In view of the frequent occurrence of clashes between tenants living together in "converted one-person flats" (commonly known as "split flats"), some of which may even develop into violent incidents, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

of the total number of "converted one-person flats" at present;

(b)

(c)

(d)

of the number of complaint cases concerning disputes between tenants of "converted one-person flats" received by the Housing Department, as well as the number of violent incidents occurring in such flats, in the past year;

whether the Housing Department has put in place any special measures to resolve the disputes of these singleton tenants; and

whether the Government will consider replacing these "split flats" with self-contained single-person flats when formulating its long-term housing strategy?

Answer:

Mr President,

There are 5,900 converted one-person flats in public rental housing estates.

In the past year, 247 complaints concerning disputes among tenants of such flats were received by the Housing Department: 21 cases involved serious disputes and were reported to the Police.

The role played by Housing Department staff in these disputes is primarily one of mediator. They attempt to help tenants to resolve disputes peacefully. Where necessary, cases are referred to professional social workers for counselling or assistance. In more serious cases, the Housing Department will arrange for the relevant parties to be transferred to other suitable accommodation.