TNAG-0642-FCO40-790-Kowloon-Walled-City-and-aircraft-safety-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 23

G.F. 323

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permanently displaced from the Walled City as a result of building

height reduction, either in addition or as an alternative to the

financial inducements already discussed.

On the one hand, experience

of clearance outside the Walled City indicates that an offer of public

housing to people permanently displaced from their homes is generally

an attractive one which is accepted: On the other hand, there are

some indications that Walled City residents, once there, are not anxious

to give up the advantages in the way of cheap property and accommodation

and convenience it offers. If they are able to find their own

alternative accommodation within the area, therefore, it is possible that

financial assistance will be enough and offers of alternative accommo-

dation by the H.K.G. may not be accepted.

16.

Nevertheless, a rough assessment of the possible rehousing

commitment needs to be made at this stage. Exact information on levels

of occupancy, in both the flats to be demolished and those which may be

temporarily affected by demolition, is not available. However, in the

first category 93 flats are affected, and in the second an estimate of

100 flats has already been used in paragraph 13 above. Taking an average

of 1.5 households per flat as a reasonable estimate based on clearance

experience, up to 140 households may require permanent rehousing and up

to 150 households temporary accommodation during demolition. These

commitments should not be difficult to meet, particularly if, as is

likely, they are spread over a period of time. Since the buildings are

illegal, the provision of permanent rehousing for any of these households

would be against normal Housing. Authority policy; but the Secretary for

Housing advises that, because of the special circumstances and the

limited commitment involved, it would appear appropriate for the Governor

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