ENG-1977 — Page 148

HOUSING AND LAND

Management

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A number of management improvements were made during the year. The door-to- door system of rent collection has now been extended to all but the oldest Mark I and II estates, with a consequent improvement in arrears in the older estates to only 1.4 per cent of the monthly rent roll.

In August, 1977, the rents of seven flatted factory estates were increased for the first time. In November, the rents of two of the most popular estates, North Point and Sai Wan, also were increased by 10 per cent. However, the increase resulting from the 1977 rate revaluation for about 350,000 flats was borne either by the authority or the government.

Overcrowding in the older estates remains a major problem and some 30.2 per cent of families are still living in an area providing less than 2.2 square metres a person. However, with the increasing number of new estates being completed, all such families are now able to apply to transfer to new flats. The flats they vacate, being usually smaller and at a lower rent, are made available to the smaller families of new tenants. Other families wishing to move into a different flat can register with the Mutual Exchange Bureau.

Maintenance and improvements are major items, particularly in the older estates. Some $46 million was spent in 1976-7, mainly on planned preventive maintenance of both buildings and electrical systems, painting contracts, and estate improvements such as recreation areas and lighting. Some 216 small playgrounds in estates were taken over from the Urban Services Department. All estates are now cleaned by contract rather than direct labour, resulting in considerable savings.

Close contact is maintained with tenants through regular visits by estate staff. In addition, regular meetings are held with the 577 Mutual Aid Committees and other residents' associations provided for such purposes as the Keep Hong Kong Clean and Fight Violent Crime Campaigns. The authority is concerned that these contacts should be extended.

Temporary Housing

In addition to its estates, the Housing Authority also builds and manages temporary housing areas for homeless people not eligible for permanent housing. Over the years, considerable improvements have been made in this type of housing.

All temporary housing areas now provide the basic structure of a wooden frame with an asbestos roof. Space is allocated to families according to family size, and tenants construct their own internal and external walls. Facilities provided include concrete hardstanding; house water and electricity supply; central lavatory facilities, usually with water-borne sanitation; paved and grassed common areas; security guards; and comprehensive management services. Family units are let at a modest, monthly rental of 50 cents for each 929 square centimetres and are proving most acceptable to tenants.

During the year, 10 new temporary housing areas were completed, with a total capacity of 20,542 people. Some two older areas housing 3,778 people were closed and the sites used for permanent development or new temporary housing. A total of 22,439 people entered temporary housing, and improvements were made in the amenities of a number of areas by providing more recreational and sitting-out facilities.