TNAG-0809-FCO40-1014-Legislation-for-Crown-lands-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 414

XCR(78)23

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RESTRICTED

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Possession of the cleared site is required by the High- ways Office contractor as early as possible if road widening is to be completed to tie in with the opening of the Wuhu interchange in March 1979. It is estimated that three months will be required for clearance and demolition of the building. The Director of Public Works is satisfied that the acquisition of Hung Hom Inland Lot Number 390 is necessary for road-widening purposes and has accordingly recommended its resumption under the provisions of the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance with a period of three months' notice similar to that allowed under the Crown lease.

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The clearance of the property will affect five families of thirty-five persons who will be offered, according to their eligibi- lity, permanent housing or temporary housing area space. The operators of the workshop and commercial undertakings including five side stalls will be offered ex-gratia allowances in accordance with established policy. To assist their removal, all occupants, domestic and commer- cial, will be offered cash payments in advance of the settlement of statutory claims. Funds are available within the approved project estimate to meet the cost of resumption and clearance which is estimated at $1.25 million.

Public relations

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The owners and occupants of the property have known since December 1973 that the property would have to be acquired to make way for road widening and formal notice of intention to resume the property has been served on the owners. Should Honourable Members advise that the resumption of Hung Hom Inland Lot Number 390 is necessary for a public purpose, then, subsequent to resumption being ordered, the occupants will be informed of their rights to statutory compensation and eligibility for rehousing and ex-gratia payments. The City District Office (Kowloon City) will assist the occupants with any difficulties which may arise.

Advice sought

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Honourable Members will be asked to advise, under section 3 of the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance (Chapter 124), whether the resumption of Hung Hom Inland Lot Number 390 is necessary for a public purpose, namely widening of Gillies Avenue in connection with the Wuhu Interchange.

(The Deputy Secretary for the Environment (Mr G. BARNES) and the Principal Government Highway Engineer (Mr S.A. BARDEN) will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).

G.S. 84

4th January 1978 (ENV 95/76/15)

RESTRICTEDUNCIL CHAMBER

LEAL DATUM