ENG-1963 — Page 227

LAND AND HOUSING

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Since 1950 land has been made available by Government at one- third of its estimated value to encourage non-profit-making housing projects. These may be run by voluntary societies, providing housing for the lower income groups, or by employers for their staff. A summary of all new housing completed during 1963 is given at Appendix VIII.

Voluntary Organizations. A number of voluntary organizations have built housing for lower and middle income groups during recent years. The largest of these is the Hong Kong Housing Society, a pioneer in the field of low-cost housing in the Colony. The society has now housed some 44,861 people in 7,363 flats on nine estates in different parts of the Colony. The rents of these flats are $37 a month for a small room with communal facilities and an average of $85 a month for a larger room with adjoining kitchen, toilet and balcony. The estates are well laid out and have playgrounds and gardens. Facilities are also extended to various welfare organizations who operate clinics, clubs and other ameni- ties for the benefit of the tenants.

During 1963 the society housed 4,564 people in 732 flats. Five hundred of these flats, of which 305 have communal facilities to produce cheaper rents, are at Aberdeen and the remainder are at Shau Kei Wan. At the close of the year, 4,358 additional flats, to provide accommodation for 26,221 people, were under con- struction and plans were at an advanced stage for an estate, which will comprise 2,015 flats for 13,119 people, at Kennedy Town. The society's programme for the next five years is to provide a further 5,761 flats for 36,8331 people. Funds for the society's schemes are normally provided by Government at low interest rates. The society also operates a loan scheme under which firms lend money to cover the cost of constructing flats, and in return are given a lease of accommodation for nominated employees. These loans are interest free and repayable over 20 years.

Other voluntary organizations providing accommodation include the Hong Kong Settlers Housing Corporation. This corporation manages a number of cottages and, with a Government loan, is proceeding with the construction of eight blocks of multi-storey buildings with 1,800 flats to accommodate 8,000 people at Tai Hang Sai. A number of employers also help to alleviate the housing shortage in the Colony by providing accommodation for their staff.