Resettlement_Department_Annual_Report_1970-1971 — Page 38

Resettlement Departmental Reports 徙置事務處年報 All

Welfare Department. A playground is also provided on the rooftop. These buildings are provided on the scale of one for each 50,000 resi- dents; 5 were completed during the year.

66. Recreation areas are included in all resettlement estates: pitches for football and basket-ball; children's playgrounds equipped with swings, slides and other equipment; and rest gardens and sitting-out areas. The management of these grounds is undertaken by Urban Services Department staff who are also responsible for tree planting and the maintenance of gardens in the estates.

KAIFONGS AND RESIDENTS ACTIVITIES

67. Although a number of kaifong or neighbourhood help associa- tions were set up in the older cottage areas and estates before 1967, the movement received a great impetus following the disturbance of that year when it was agreed that each estate should have a kaifong to represent residents' views. At present there are altogether 31 resettle- ment kaifongs, 22 in estates and 9 in cottage areas, with an aggregate membership of 48,200 households. These associations play an impor- tant part in making known residents' views to the department and other Government agencies. In addition they mediate in family disputes, run enquiry services, distribute relief goods, provide libraries and reading rooms, run vocational training classes and sponsor youth activities. Where accommodation is available, kaifongs also operate kindergartens.

68. During the year, the Estates Division Liaison Unit continued to hold regular bi-monthly meetings with kaifong chairmen. This Unit also helped to organize a wide variety of recreational activities for the estate residents. During the summer holidays, the Unit participated in the summer youth programme by organizing a series of 20 swimming parties for resettlement youth in conjunction with the Urban Services Department, the Hong Kong Life Guard Club and the South China Morning Post. In all some 32,000 youngsters from various estates and cottage areas were entertained. His Excellency the Governor, Sir David TRENCH, attended one of these functions on 30th May, 1970. In addi- tion, inter estate football, basket-ball, table tennis tournaments, athletic meets and cross-country races were organized. 12 evening variety shows for estate residents were also organized. In these activities, close co- operation was maintained with the Urban Services Department and City District Officers. It was agreed that in the future, these latter will take over the major part of the Department's functions in this direction.

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