Resettlement_Department_Annual_Report_1969-1970 — Page 21

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44. In 1961 a modified design, known as Mark II, altered the external appearance of the block, whilst not appreciably affecting the layout or number of the internal rooms. The ends of the arms of the 'H' blocks were connected by a hollow block concrete screen, and additional larger and rooms were provided, each with a private balcony.

45. Each wing of the Marks I and II blocks is divided structurally into a series of bays, 10 feet wide and about 25 feet deep. Originally these bays were sub-divided by partitions down the centre line, pro- ducing rooms of approximately 120 sq. ft., which is still the standard size of room in the Marks I and II estates. Ventilation is afforded by a door and a window which opens on to the communal balcony, and also by openings in the common partitions at the back of each room. By adjusting the position of the central partitions in these blocks, the sizes of the rooms could be altered to meet the needs of those being resettled, the standard sizes being 60, 86, 120, 152 and 240 sq. ft.

46. 146 Mark I blocks and 94 Mark II blocks were built in 12 estates and now accommodate 540,513 persons.

47. When these blocks were built, it was intended that, when housing conditions eased, each bay could be converted into an individual flat of 240 or 360 sq. ft. by removing the central partition. Four blocks were in fact built to this design in order to resettle families with higher incomes. On the recommendation of the Housing Board, a Mark I block at Wong Tai Sin Estate has been converted into 204 self- contained rooms, each with its own lavatory and kitchen. A plan is at Appendix 11. This conversion was carried out as an experiment and the Board is now considering the feasibility of extending the scheme to all the older resettlement blocks.

48. It was thought that not all tenants could afford an electricity supply and it was therefore left to each tenant that did want it to pro- vide his own external wiring from the meter board to his room, as well as the internal wiring. This wiring has not been properly maintained and it has now become worn and potentially dangerous. It has been decided that rather than require the tenants themselves to remedy the position this wiring should be replaced by the Government, the cost being recovered from the tenants in the form of an increase in rent. This has been done by the Architectural Office of the Public Works Department at two estates, Kwun Tong and Jordan Valley, the monthly rent being increased by $1 a room a month. A programme to replace outdoor wiring in all Mark I and II estates is continuing.

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