1966 — Page 119

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Page 119 of 279

Page 119 of 279

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

(5) MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:

I have received complaints from Resettlement Estate dwellers living on the top floors of estate blocks of older estates such as Shek Kip Mei Estate that the heat in summer has been most uncomfortable, and has made living in the top floor rooms almost unbearable. Can the Commis- sioner for Resettlement advise what steps can be taken to renovate the roofs of the resettlement blocks in the older estates for the better comfort of estate residents?

THE COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT replied as follows:-

The older estates have raised concrete tiles on the roof which provide an air space between the roof covering and the main roof structure. This is an improvement on the normal provision in private development where concrete roof tiles are laid direct on the roof covering. However, the top floors in any building are inevitably hotter than lower floors due to heat radiation from the roof slab. Those rooms which are underneath the pent-houses of roof-top schools are not affected to the same extent.

2.

It is doubtful whether any appreciable improvement could be achieved by re-constructing the whole roof and I am advised that the cost of doing this, which would involve stripping the tiles and roofing membrance, laying an expensive insulation material, cement screeding, and providing a new roof membrane and tiles, would be pro- hibitive. Moreover, it will be appreciated that almost all of these roof-tops are allocated to schools or voluntary agencies, and, having regard to all the circumstances, I am advised that these roofs at present provide the maxi- mum insulation compatible with their purpose and with their use for playgrounds and similar purposes.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Referring to the present question, Sir, has the Commissioner looked into the possibility, with regard to the very old estates such as Shek Kip Mei, of planning for the entire rebuilding of these old structures? They have been in existence for over ten years. If you do not take the cost of land into consideration, and do not consider management costs which really is something which should be borne by Government, surely Government has earned more than enough on rents from the residents there. But in thinking in terms of providing better housing accommodation for residents, and providing better amenities, has the Commissioner considered putting a proposal to Government, Mr. Chairman, to demolish these old buildings within the next few years and have them completely rebuilt into 16-storey structures such as our Mark IV blocks?

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

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CHAIRMAN:-May I ask the Commissioner for Resettlement if this matter is not dealt with later on in a subsequent question?

COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT: --That is so, Mr. Chairman.

CHAIRMAN:-Could I also ask the Commissioner for Resettlement a question which is exercising my interest? Is "cement screeding" cement screening with a cold in the head, or something else? (Laughter).

COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT: —No, Mr. Chairman, I am advised it is correctly spelt. It is an expression used I understand in connection with laying cement on a floor or ceiling as opposed to up the side of a wall. Perhaps the Director of Public Works could enlarge on that. (Laughter).

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Sir, I think I shall be patient and wait until a later stage when another member asks a question on this particular point. With your indulgence may I revert to the previous question now? The answer which was given to me by Mr. WILSON doesn't say too much, Mr. Chairman. It simply says "that a large part of the youth services are provided by voluntary agencies, often with subven- tions from Government or from the Lotteries Fund, and forward planning in all fields of social welfare is a matter of co-operation between the Social Welfare Department and Hong Kong Social Services." Now may I ask the Commissioner whether the Resettlement Department is also fully consulted with regard to welfare services, particularly youth services for our existing and future estates?

COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT:-Yes Sir, although not in the detail of the selection of particular agencies which will be running facilities, but when it becomes necessary to enter into a tenancy agree- ment. At this stage it is necessary to obtain the approval of the Management Select Committee. However, in general, we are in con- stant consultation with the Social Welfare Department regarding the provision of welfare facilities.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-In that event Sir, could the Commissioner draw the attention of the Director of Social Welfare to the fact that there are some estates where there are absolutely no facilities for youths whatsoever? Has the Social Welfare Department looked into this and given the Commissioner a report to be brought to the attention of the Management Select Committee?

COMMISSIONER for ResettlEMENT:-I could certainly do that Mr. Chairman, but I am sure the Director of Social Welfare is already perfectly well aware of this fact, and so far as the older estates are concerned, there is, I think, in every case just no accommodation left to house organizations of this kind.