Table 2.
Total
Squatters
Resettled
Balance
New Squatters
Sub-total
1967 8
800.000
200,000
600,000
120.000
720,000
1968 9
720,000
200,000
520,000
110,000
630,000
the
1969 70
630,000
200,000
430,000
100,000
530,000
1,000,000
1970 1
530,000
200,000
330,000
90,000
420,000
1971 2
420,000
200,000
220,000
80,000
300,000
1972 3
300,000
200,000
100,000
70,000
170,000
300,000
700,000
1,200,000
(October 1967) there were in 1967 still some 640.000 people classified under the category of squatters in "temporary" accommodation. and who could be considered as eligible for resettlement. These figures, as set out below, would show that the:- total number of persons
resettled during period 1954 to 1967 was less-the number who in
1954 were squatters or could have been eligible for resettlement would give a sub-total of and if we add the number of persons who in 1967 would appear to be squatters or eligible for resettlement
+
•
then we would get the total number of persons who, at some time or other, during the period 1954 to 1967, could be classified under the category of squatters or eligible for resettlement as being
+
640,000
1,340,000
and if we then add the estimated population as
2.500.000 at 1954 we would get a total of 3,840,000
►
Since the estimated population as at mid-year 1967 was some 3,815.- 400, the above figures would tend to show that the number of persons who, at some time or other, during the period 1954 to 1967, could be classified under the category of squat- ters or those eligible for resettlement was more than the increase in the total population.
The inference from this, and it is suggested that this inference must be accepted, is that together with a growth rate in the population, there would also appear to be a growth rate in the category of squatters or those who could become eligible for re- settlement.
The 990,000 "individual units of accommodation" as planned should not be taken as provision of accom- modation for a similar number of people. The Housing Board makes an allowance, for a child under 10 years of age, as half of that for an adult, i.e., two such children are presumed to occupy one "individual unit of ac- commodation". The 1961 Census gives the percentage of the population
of children under 10 years of age as being 29.59, but with the known de- cline in the birth rate, and in addi- tion acceptance of the assumption that infants in arms would not necessarily take up their allowance of space, it would be reasonable to assume that the 990,000 "individual units" would provide accommodation for some 1,200,000 people.
The growth rate in the population is known to be on the decline. The Government housing programme
should induce an equal decline in the squatter growth rate, and with this in mind. Table 2 has been compiled.
The figures in Table 2 are based, initially, on the figure of 807,600 squatters given in the Housing Board Report (Oct. 67) which includes 164,300 New Territories permittees. It can be assumed that permittees in the New Territories are something which will always be with us.
Table 2 does not purport to show what will happen. but only what could happen. It does show that the Government housing programme is a dire necessity if any decline in the growth rate of squatters, or of people who could qualify for resettlement low cost housing, is to be induced. This would still be so even if the figures indicating a decline in the growth rate of squatters were amend- ed to show an even greater ratio of decline. It might also suggest that an indefinite number of people, not squatters, but accommodated in grossly inadequate housing, find their way into resettlement/low cost hous- ing.
If the table, as given, is accepted then it would imply that since Gov- ernment, and Government aided agen- cies, would be able to cope with the requirements for resettlement/low cost housing, then private enterprise would not be called upon to make any contribution in this sector. Private enterprise, with economic considera- tions in mind, would not attempt to compete in the resettlement sector.
Private enterprise does not, except in rare cases such as Tai On and Mei Foo Estates, have available the large and open sites which are a necessity in order that any competition in the low cost housing sector could be economic.
From the foregoing it could be as- sumed that private enterprise housing could be called upon to satisfy the housing requirements of the increase in the population over the next six years, but whether this would be an "adequate field" or otherwise would be a matter of opinion.
The following figures may be of some guidance to those interested in private enterprise housing:
Housing will be required to accommodate the estimated increase in the population in the next six years of some Housing will be required to accommodate those who, during the next six years, might wish for something better. and on
a guesstimate of 2,500 families per annum wishing for something better this could represent some giving a total requiring accommodation of some
less:-
Government aided organizations, with their estimated pro- vision of 13,000 individual units of accommodation per annum over the next six years (Housing Board Re- port October 1967 refers) would provide in low cost housing accommodation for some
Existing vacant tenements, etc., totalling 14,496 as at January 1968 (Rating and Valuation Department Re- port 1968 refers) would provide accommodation for some giving a total for whom accommodation would be provided of some
514,500 people
85,500 people 600,000 people
100,000 people
200,000 people
300,000 people
Leaving private enterprise to house, within the six year
period some
300,000 people 50,000 people
or per annum some
At an estimated HK$2,000.00 per person, excluding the cost of land, this would provide an annual potential of some HK$100,000,000 per annum against the average, taken over the past 17 years (Rating and Valuation De- partment Report 1966-67 refers) of some HK$400,000,000.
36
Far East BUILDER, July 1968.
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