TNAG-0317-FCO40-353-Policy-of-housing-and-resettlement-in-Hong-Kong-problem-of-s-1971 — Page 52

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

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THE COMMISSIoner for ReseTTLEMENT replied as follows:

Three new blocks Nos. 1, 2 and 3 at Tsz Wan Shan have recently been completed and handed over to my depart- ment. A certain amount of time was required by Resettlement Department staff for checking of rooms and for organizing the intake procedures. The transformer room serving the estate was only finally commissioned on the 15th of February due to a hold-up in the shipment of the transformer unit arising from the U.K. strikes in 1970, and the theft of the China Light & Power Co.'s main cable. It was not, of course, possible to carry out the required checks on lifts and electrical equipment until an electrical supply was provided, i.e. until after the 15th of February. In addition, the approach road to the blocks was damaged by a burst underground water main and had to be repaired.

As Members of the Resettlement Management Select Com- mittee are aware, the first commitment for accommodation in these blocks is ex-permittees of the Ho Man Tin and Tung Tau Cottage Areas, the clearance of the first of these areas is now in hand and intake of families into the blocks will start tomorrow.

MRS. ELLIOTT:-Could the Commissioner say whether or not he knows exactly how many rooms, or approximately how many rooms, are needed for these two estates one in Ho Man Tin, the other in Tung Tau?

(The Secretary for Home Affairs left the meeting at this point).

COMMISSIONER for ResettleMENT:—I could let you know later.

MRS. ELLIOTT:-It was only approximate. There would be some houses left over, is that the point?

COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT: —Yes, there will be.

MRS. ELLIOTT:-Isn't it possible, Mr. Chairman, to start moving people in from Wong Tai Sin. It doesn't matter how many, I don't care about the numbers.

COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT:-It is a question of allocation. A proposal will be made to the Management Select Committee for approval for an actual allocation in due course.

(10) MRS. E. ELLIOTT asked the following question:-

Is the Government aware of the insanitary and dangerous conditions in which squatters in Licensed areas such as