ENG-1959 — Page 216

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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

The Housing Authority, which was set up five years ago under the provisions of the Housing Ordinance, No. 18 of 1954, and charged with the duty of providing accommodation for people living in overcrowded and unsatisfactory conditions, continued to make steady progress throughout 1959. The Authority consists of all members of the Urban Council, ex-officio, with not more than three other members to be appointed by the Governor (two such appointments have so far been made), and the Commissioner for Housing ex-officio. The Authority functions as a commercial enter- prise and, although rents are kept as low as possible, they must be sufficient to cover expenditure. Crown land is allocated at one- third of the estimated market price. Government loans are granted at favourable interest rates with repayment over forty years. 34% is charged on the first $45 million and 5% on the remainder. Loans have been approved up to $139 million of which over $52 million has been spent and over $90 million committed. The Government maintains a general control over the Authority's affairs, and all its projects must receive the prior approval of Government.

The administration and execution of the decisions of the Authority are carried out by the Housing Division of the Urban Services Department, under the direction of the Commissioner for Housing, functioning as the Authority's principal executive officer. The salaries of the staff, numbering ninety eight officers, are reim- bursed to the Government by the Authority, plus a 30% surcharge to cover the cost of pensions, quarters, passages, office accommo- dation, printing and other overheads.

The Authority's first estate, constructed on reclaimed land on the sea front at Java Road, North Point, was completed in November 1957 and is now fully occupied with a total popula- tion of over 12,400. The estate occupies a fine site of about 61 acres, and contains 1,955 flats as well as an 18-classroom primary school for 800 pupils, two health clinics, a post office, an assembly hall to seat 500 people and 71 shops. A bus terminus has been incorporated within the concourse and plans for a passenger ferry terminal connecting with the mainland at Hung Hom are now under consideration. Although the gross density, including the adjoining concourse and half the width of the roads, is 1,550 per acre, each flat has through draught and uninterrupted access to