TNAG-1637-FCO40-2253-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Kowloon-Walled-City-1987 — Page 44

T

(d)

(e)

SFCD!

3 -

Tenants of non-domestic premises will be offered compensation based on business losses resulting from the clearance. Owner/occupiers will in addition receive compensation based on the value of their interest in the property. Absentee owners will be offered compensation based on their property interest. Various forms of help and advice will be available to enable businesses to relocate. The compensation paid to businesses that have to close will take account of the statutory obligation to make severance payments to employees. Help will be available to those who have to look for new employment.

Voluntary organisations, such as the Kaifong Welfare Committee, the youth centre, the home for the elderly, will be eligible for compensation.

Clearance Problems

4.

this

In addition to the usual problems in a clearance, operation will pose a number of special difficulties. These will also be for the Special Committee (paragraph 5) to consider. But a list of some of these problems, and some thoughts on how to address them, follows.

(a)

(b)

(c)

Determination of property ownership. There is no government register of property ownership. The Kaifong has kept an informal register, which we believe is incomplete. This register and any other documents - title deeds (authenticated or not), rental agreements, dated receipts etc - may be helpful in tackling this problem.

Property values. The lack of a formal property register will also complicate the assessment of property values. The physical condition of the properties will also be a factor. The Special Committee will need to consider the likely discrepancy between the true market value of premises in the Walled City and that of comparable units in nearby areas, and take this into account in making arrangements to compensate

owners.

Unlicensed dentists and doctors. There are about 80 unlicensed dentists and 30 unlicensed doctors practising in the Walled City. Although a very small proportion of the 40-50,000 population, they pose a potentially tricky problem. Most, if not all, are unlikely to be able to acquire licences to practice in Hong Kong. A few may be employable in some capacity in the dental or medical professions (e.g. as dental technicians), or in related businesses (e.g. medicine shops). All may be compensated for loss of business.

PRET