Resettlement_Department_Annual_Report_1969-1970 — Page 10

Much thought was given to ways in which the management of resettle- ment estates could be improved.

9. Before more sophisticated management principles could be in- troduced, however, the first job was to stop the spread of new illegal structures, and improve basic cleanliness on the ground. There had previously been no effective labour force available to remove illegal extensions to shops and demolish illegal hawker stalls and other structures. Previous arrangements to deal with this problem, by using sanitation or Squatter Control labourers, had proved inadequate. In addition, it had become clear that enforcement action of this nature must be carried out by staff from outside the estate concerned.

10. Accordingly in September 1969, three special 'Tidiness Teams' were formed, each consisting of 20 labourers, led by two gangers and a chargeman. The first three teams were based centrally and were on call by any estate to demolish new illegal structures. This is an arduous duty, and sometimes a Police escort is necessary to help keep the peace; nevertheless the Teams have performed so well that they have earned the nickname of "Tiger Squads', and already considerable improve- ments in the tidiness of the estates and removal of obstructions is evident. Some indication of the problems involved is given by the fact that during their first six months of operation, these teams demolished 1,773 structures and 1,586 shop sunshades, as well as carrying out other tidiness work. Another result, which is difficult to quantify but which is nevertheless important, has been the salutory effect on tenants of the knowledge that new illegalities will be promptly dealt with. On the other hand, much still remains to be done, and more teams will have to be formed, particularly if the problem of existing hawkers is to be constructively tackled.

11. On the general management side, following on the Housing Board recommendation of a more professional approach, 12 officers started studying for the H.K. University certificate, with the promise of more to come. The thinning out of population in the more overcrowded estates was accelerated and plans were made for improving facilities in the oldest ones. Various measures were taken during the year to tighten up the rules governing tenancies in the estates. At the end of the year an experienced housing manager was seconded from the Housing Authority to advise the department on the measures that could be taken to bring management more into line with that practised in Government Low Cost Housing Estates.

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