TNAG-0642-FCO40-790-Kowloon-Walled-City-and-aircraft-safety-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 24

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to direct the Housing Authority under section 9 of the Housing Ordinance

to meet the commitment. The provision of temporary housing, either

to households awaiting the replacement of demolished flats as to those

temporarily displaced during demolition, should present no difficulty.

Demolition

17.

As can be seen from the plan at Appendix I, the 36 build-

ings are almost all situated well within the Walled City, that is

vehicular access is available in only a few cases and even pedestrian

access is difficult because of haphazard development and congestion.

While demolition under P.W.D. arrangements would be possible, it would

be preferable if the owners of the buildings concerned, in conjunction

with Walled City building contractors, could make the arrangements them-

selves. The local contractors are familiar with working conditions in

the area and the economics of construction and demolition there. The

use of non-Walled City contractors under P.W.D. supervision could lead

to technical difficulties and additional costs and leave the H.K.G.

with responsibilities for the continuing stability and general condition

of the parts of buildings remaining after demolition which it would

inappropriate and dangerous for it to assume. An element of P.W.D.

supervision and advice could be provided however. If voluntary demolition

can be arranged, the owners of the buildings concerned could be paid

part of the cost upon commencement and part on completion, on the basis

of contractors estimates and bills presented respectively.

18.

It would be necessary for recourse to demolition under

P.W.D. arrangements to be held in reserve, either to deal with all 36

buildings or individual cases in which difficulties arose. Where these

/arrangements

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