1955-1957 — Page 26

In November 1956, the Commissioner for Resettlement started clearance of over 2,500 squatters living on the site, in order that site formation could commence: most of these people have been housed in the adjacent Li Cheng Uk resettlement estate. The remaining cul- tivators were cleared in February 1957, but a large number of huts still remain in the vicinity, though outside the site boundary, and it may not be possible to clear these for some time to come.

Lay-out plans were approved by the P.W.D., and on 15th February, 1957, the site formation contract was awarded to Messrs. Waking Builder, in the sum of $1,895,618.00. Time for completion is 420 working days. Good progress was subsequently made with the work, and there was little interruption due to rain.

The P.W.D. contract for the construction of stormwater drainage, was also awarded to Messrs. Waking Builder, in the sum of $333,863.00 (which will be borne by the Authority) and this work commenced on 4th March, 1957. With the imposition of a 5% supervisory charge, the cost will be $350,556.15. Soil drainage, and internal stormwater drain- age, will be put in when the site has been cut to formation level.

The Water Authority started work on re-alignment of the 18′′ water- main crossing the site, and by March 1957, about 800 ft. of the new main had been laid along Po On Road. It is hoped to obtain a salt- water flushing supply from an existing 8′′ main, supplying the Li Cheng Uk resettlement estate, but if this is not possible the Authority will have to put in a completely separate installation. The cost of laying water mains and sub-mains in the area is $77,000, which will be borne by Government. The Authority is responsible for the formation of all internal roads within the estate, and half the width of the perimeter roads. The P.W.D. will surface these roads, at the Authority's expense, and thereafter they will be maintained by Government.

The cost of the land, at $7.50 per sq. ft. (half upset price) will be just over $6m. The cost of engineering works contingent on development is deductable from the market value of the site before assessment of the upset price.

In January 1957, the Authority decided that the following apportion- ment of the site between the participating architects should be adopted:

Messrs. Leigh & Orange: S, T and U Blocks. These are the perimeter blocks, along the frontage of Po On Road and Cheung Fat Street (approx. cost $14m).

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