TNAG-1735-FCO40-2448-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 150

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 18 May 1988

for example because of the effect on the stability of adjacent huts, the premises are boarded up. These huts are also inspected at regular intervals by Housing Department's squatter control staff.

The above measures are generally effective. So far, this year, there have been four fires in temporary housing areas, two of which were started in vacant units and were believed to be connected with suicidal attempt. Of the 15 squatter fires this year, only one was started in a vacant hut.

Fire-fighting equipment including fire-mains and hydrants, fire hose reel and manual fire alarm systems are provided in temporary housing areas, and maintained by registered fire services installation contrators in accordance with statutory requirements. Housing Department staff inspect these installations once every three months. In addition, the equipment is tested annually by authorised fire services contractors. As for squatter areas, fire hydrants and fire- mains, installed under the Squatter Area Improvement Programme since 1983, are checked monthly by the Fire Services Department. Any defects are reported to the Housing Department for repair.

DR. HO: What are the ratios of the Housing Department management staff and security guards to residents in temporary housing areas and does the Administra- tion consider these ratios adequate for the proper management of these areas?

SECRETARY FOR District AdmINISTRATION: Sir, I do not have the exact manning scale but temporary housing areas have been in existence for a long time and have been managed properly over the years but I will certainly check the number and supply the figure to Dr. Ho. (See Annex IV)

MR. CHAN YING-LUN (in Cantonese): If all the measures described in the reply for managing squatter areas were taken, I am sure it will be very effective. However, I wonder whether these measures are mandatory or are they simply optional and will Government ensure that all these measures will be undertaken?

SECRETARY FOR District ADMINISTRATION: Sir, what I have just mentioned are regular services. If there are any areas where there is evidence that this is not followed, I shall be very happy to refer the matter to the Housing Department for investigation.

DR. Ho: Sir, what steps has the Administration taken to teach the residents, including women and teenagers, in temporary housing areas and squatter areas how to use the fire fighting installations?

SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION: Sir, the equipment is normally manned by the management staff who are on site during the working hours and sometimes by the caretakers who actually live in the areas. As for education, there are regular talks for the residents on the general knowledge of prevention of fire but not necessarily on the operation of fire fighting equipment.

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